Structure Function

Serves for taking in food; Also for the breathing

Mouth current of water; Provide critical information
about the feeding havits of a fish.
Used to detect odors in water and can be quite
Nares
sensitive
For vision; Contain many of the same
Eyes components as human eyes, but they are
structured and used differently.

Operculum Bony plate that covers fishes’ gills

Stabilize the fish in the water and help direct the

Dorsal fin
fish through turns and stops
Supports the dorsal fins by providing the fish
Anal fin with more stability in the water, controlling the
rolling motion
Help balance the fish, keep it level, and prevent it
Pelvic fins
from rolling from side to side.

Pectoral fins Locomotion and side to side movement

Caudal fin Primary appendage used for locomotion

Probing for food in sand. Can detect chemicals

Barbels
for smelling and tastin
Used to help the fishes sense vibrations in the
Lateral line
water.
Protects fish from predators and parasites and
Scales
reduce friction with the water.
Improve the stability of the fish's attitude at
Keels speed in the water, and strengthen the support of
the caudal fin.
Aid in the speed of the fish by cutting through the
Finlets
water
Serve a protective function, acting as a body
Scutes armor for fish against environmental abrasions
and even predation

Reference: Burton, D., & Burton, M. (2017). Essential Fish Biology: Diversity, Structure, and
Function. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.