1. Fish: Form and function
An LSU Museum of Natural Science presentation to accompany the activity

2. Types and Function of fins
All Fish have fins! Each fin shape has a unique shape and function.
Dorsal- (top fin) Helps keep the fish upright. Also used for sudden direction changes.
Pectoral- These are the pair of side fins that help the fish move in different directions and aids in the ability to swim and steer. Sometimes have spines used for defense.
Dorsal fin
Pectoral fin

3. Types and Function of fins
Pelvic- Located on the bottom of the fish. Most often used as “brakes”.
Anal- used to stabilize fish
Additional fins:
Adipose- tiny fin between dorsal and caudel fins
Anal fin
Pelvic fin

4. Caudel (Tail) fin
This fin is used to propel the fish through the water, pick up speed, and make turns.
Rounded caudal fin –allows for effective acceleration and maneuvering but in general is found on fish that do not swim long distances because of large amounts of drag
Truncated caudal fin – straight tipped tail; allows for quick turns and short burst of speed
Emarginated caudal fin – has the least amount of drag; fin has two lobes
Forked caudal fin- 2 lobes, helps reduce turbulance
Lunate caudal fin- tend to be fastest fishes, maintain speeds

5. Body shapes of Fish
Sagitiform – elongated tubular body layout that is arrow shaped; allows fish to strike quickly. (Example: gar, barracuda) 
Depression – wide, flat body shapes that all fish to rest on the bottom. (Example: flounder)

6. Body shapes of Fish
Compressiform – fish that are laterally compressed; tall, thin body shape that allows fish to enter vertical crevices; allows for quick bursts of speed and quick turns.
Fusiform: streamlined with pointed ends - shaped like a plane; helps to lower frictional resistance, and allows them to move through the water extremely fast.

7. Body shapes of Fish
Anguilliform – fish that are long and skinny; these fish slither like snakes; allows them to maneuver into narrow openings and resist the force of current.
Globiform – these fish are almost round or globe-shaped.
Taeniform – thin ribbon like shape; good for hiding in crevices and cracks.

8. Lateral line Eye Caudal Mouth Anal fin Pectoral fin Operculum
1st dorsal fin
2nd dorsal fin
Lateral line
Eye
Nostril
Caudal
Mouth
Anal fin
Pectoral fin
Operculum
Pelvic fin

9. Gyotaku Japanese art of fish printing
How it works:
Paint plastic fish
Press painted fish onto paper to make impression. Label parts if desired.

10. Build you own ‘Franken’fish
Purpose: Students will learn about fish anatomy and morphology by building their own fish.
Materials:
Fish part templates
Glue
Crayons
Construction paper
Scissors
Pencil and paper

11. On-line Resources Fish anatomy print-out Basic information on fish
Enchanted learning-
Basic information on fish
Gyotaku fish