Fish Anatomy
The anatomy of fish is complex and fascinating. Their bodies are perfectly
adapted for life in the water, and each feature has a specific purpose. Let's
explore the internal and external structures that make fish so unique.
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by Jemuel Fernandez
External
Features
Head Body Tail
The head is the anterior portion of the The body is the main part of the fish. It's The tail is the posterior end of the fish. It
fish. It houses important sensory organs streamlined and muscular for efficient contains the caudal fin, which propels the
like the eyes, nose, and mouth. movement through water. fish forward.
External Anatomy=of Bony Fishes
Albacore Thunnus alalunga
Smallmouth bass
Micropterus dolomieu
External Anatomy=of B ony Fis hes
Albacore Thunnus alalunga
S mallmouth bass
Micropterus dolomieu
External Anatomy=of Bony Fishes
Brown Trout Salmo trutta
External Anatomy of Cartilaginous Fis h
Whale S hark Rhincodon typus
External Anatomy of Cartilaginous Fis h
Bluespotted stingray
Dasyatis kuhlii
Fins and Their Functions
1 Dors al Fin 2 Pectoral Fins 3 Pelvic Fins
Provides stability and helps the fish Located on the sides of the fish, they Located on the underside of the fish,
stay upright. It can also be used for are used for steering, braking, and they help with maneuvering and
maneuvering. balance. balance.
4 Anal Fin 5 Caudal Fin
Located on the underside of the fish, it helps with stability The tail fin is the main source of propulsion, pushing the fish
and steering. forward.
Scales and Their Types
Ctenoid Scales Cycloid Scales Ganoid Scales Placoid Scales
Similar to placoid scales but
These scales are These scales are circular These are tooth-like scales
are covered with a peculiar
characterized by a comb- and smooth, found in fish found in sharks and rays,
enamel-like substance called
like edge and are found in like carp and salmon. and provide protection.
ganoin, found in gars and
most bony fish.
bowfin
Lateral Line System
Sensory Pores
Tiny openings along the sides of the fish, allowing water to enter
and stimulate sensory cells.
Saw-jawed Monocle BreamScolopsis ciliata
Sensory Cells
Detect vibrations and pressure changes in the water, providing
information about the surroundings.
Brain
The sensory information is transmitted to the brain, helping the
fish locate prey, navigate, and avoid predators.
Bigeye Trevally Caranx sexfasciatus
Gills and Respiration
1 Water Intake
Water enters the mouth and passes over the gills.
2 Gill Filaments
Thin, folded structures that increase the surface area for gas exchang
3 Gas Exchange
Oxygen from the water diffuses into the blood, while carbon dioxide
diffuses out.
4 Water Exhale
Water exits the gills through openings called gill slits.
Digestive System
Mouth Takes in food.
Esophagus Connects the mouth to the
stomach.
Stomach Digests food with enzymes and
acids.
Intestines Absorbs nutrients from digested
food.
Anus Eliminates waste products.
Circulatory S ys tem
Heart
Pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
Blood Vess els
Carry blood to and from the heart and tissues.
Gas Exchange
Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the gills.
Nervous System
1 Brain 2 Spinal Cord
Controls all bodily functions Transmits signals from the
and processes sensory brain to the rest of the body.
information.
3 Nerves
Carry sensory and motor information throughout the body.
Sens ory Organs
Eyes Nose Lateral Line S ys tem
Detect light and provide vision, but are Detects odors in the water, aiding in Detects vibrations and pressure
less sharp than human eyes. finding food and mates. changes in the water, assisting with
navigation and predator detection.
