Fish LocomotionFish Locomotion

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!