Fish locomotion Notes

Study this for the test

1. Fish LocomotionFish Locomotion

2. The most common form of fish locomotion is called The most common form of fish locomotion is called
carangiformcarangiform locomotion. locomotion.

3. The most common form of fish locomotion is called The most common form of fish locomotion is called
carangiformcarangiform locomotion. locomotion.
Fish that use this form sweep their caudal fin from Fish that use this form sweep their caudal fin from
side to side to push themselves forward.side to side to push themselves forward.

6. AngulliformAngulliform locomotion is used by fish with eel- locomotion is used by fish with eel-
like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also
some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.

7. AngulliformAngulliform locomotion is used by fish with eel- locomotion is used by fish with eel-
like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also
some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.
They send waves along the length of their body They send waves along the length of their body
and as the waves move down the body, they push and as the waves move down the body, they push
against the water.against the water.

9. AngulliformAngulliform locomotion is used by fish with eel- locomotion is used by fish with eel-
like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also like bodies. Obviously this includes eels, but also
some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.some Agnathan fishes such as lampreys use it.
They send waves along the length of their body They send waves along the length of their body
and as the waves move down the body, they push and as the waves move down the body, they push
against the water.against the water.
There is an opposite and equal force in the There is an opposite and equal force in the
opposite direction. So if the body pushes against opposite direction. So if the body pushes against
the water, the fish is pushed forward.the water, the fish is pushed forward.

10. Some fish have a very stiff body and cannot flex Some fish have a very stiff body and cannot flex
their tail or send waves down the length of it. One their tail or send waves down the length of it. One
way they can swim is to wiggle their fins to push way they can swim is to wiggle their fins to push
themselves forward.themselves forward.

14. Some fish have a very stiff body and cannot flex Some fish have a very stiff body and cannot flex
their tail or send waves down the length of it. One their tail or send waves down the length of it. One
way they can swim is to wiggle their fins to push way they can swim is to wiggle their fins to push
themselves forward.themselves forward.
Unfortunately this form of locomotion, called Unfortunately this form of locomotion, called
ostraciformostraciform, is very slow. To protect themselves, , is very slow. To protect themselves,
many of these fish have sharp spines covering the many of these fish have sharp spines covering the
skin or poisons that taste bad to predators.skin or poisons that taste bad to predators.

15. Because they’re slow, sea horses can’t swim Because they’re slow, sea horses can’t swim
against strong currents of if waves toss them against strong currents of if waves toss them
about. To compensate, they use their prehensile about. To compensate, they use their prehensile
tail to hold onto sea grasses, sea fans, etc.tail to hold onto sea grasses, sea fans, etc.

17. A few fish use a form of locomotion called A few fish use a form of locomotion called
labriformlabriform locomotion. These fish paddle with their locomotion. These fish paddle with their
pectoral fins and, for the most part, keep their pectoral fins and, for the most part, keep their
caudal fins and others still.caudal fins and others still.

20. Another form of locomotion, called Another form of locomotion, called ballistiformballistiform
locomotion, is accomplished when the fish sends locomotion, is accomplished when the fish sends
waves along the length of the its fins.waves along the length of the its fins.

21. Another form of locomotion, called Another form of locomotion, called ballistiformballistiform
locomotion, is accomplished when the fish sends locomotion, is accomplished when the fish sends
waves along the length of the its fins.waves along the length of the its fins.
This can include the pectoral fins, in the case of This can include the pectoral fins, in the case of
rays and skates, or the anal fin, in the case of rays and skates, or the anal fin, in the case of
knifefish.knifefish.

26. If a knifefish reverses the direction of the waves it If a knifefish reverses the direction of the waves it
sends along its anal fin, it swims backwards!sends along its anal fin, it swims backwards!