Exercise 1

External Anatomy of Fishes

Figure 1. Labelled composite fish image

Table 1. External parts of fish. Location and function.

Part Location Function
Mouth Anterior Used for food ingestion and entry point of water to the gills for
oxygen supply.
Nares Anterior A pair of holes used by fishes for smelling.
 Eyes Anterior Used for sight. Vital for hunting prey and escaping potential
predators.
Operculum Anterior A flexible bony plate that appears as a flap protecting the gills. This
structure allows fishes to breathe even when motionless by
subsequent opening and closing.
Pectoral fins Anterior Used for balance and steering for side-to-side movement. This also
enables fishes to decrease speed when swimming acting as breaks.
Pelvic fins Anterior The pelvic fins are used for balance and up and down movements.
Dorsal fin Middle The dorsal fin varies depending on the species and it is used for
balance and defense against predators.
Lateral line Middle Fishes are able to sense vibration and movements in the water.
Contains a system of microscopic spores.
Vent Posterior An outlet for waste, gametes, and excess water.
Scales Middle A protective layer of fish, like the skin.
Anal fin Posterior Used for steering and balance but not present in all fishes.
Caudal fin Posterior Used for propulsion.

References
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. (2015). SCDNR - Fishing Information. Sc.gov.
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/anatomy.html
Univerity of Hawaii Manoa. (2021). Structure and Function - Fish. Retrieved from Exploring our
Fluid Earth: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/biological/fish/structure-and-function-fish