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Tori Hews

4/28/24

Prof. Ekstrom

Tensile Stiffness in the Pectoral Fins of Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine brasiliensis

ABSTRACT

Batoids, a group of fishes including skates and rays, move themselves through water by

using their caudal fins and pectoral fins in an axial oscillatory and pectoral undulatory motion.

Our study tested whether the flexibility of their fin skin affects the range of motion in their fins.

We hypothesized that certain species might demonstrate greater fin mobility and that the most

lateral side of the fin skin might be more flexible than the most medial. Using a material tester,

we evaluated the tensile properties of the fin skin by gradually stretching it at 2mm/s until it

reached 24N of force. We also performed a range of motion test by applying a stitch into the

most lateral part of the fin and pulling up toward the spine to see how big the angle would be in

each species. However, our results did not provide clear evidence linking skin flexibility to fin

movement. In spite of the materials tester, we did observe noticeable differences in fin mobility

between the two types of fish studied via the fin curvature test. This implies that components

beyond skin properties may influence their swimming behavior.

INTRODUCTION

Fish use a wide range of strategies to get around in their aquatic habitats. It is clear from

the research of Iosilevskii (2014) and Smits (2019) that fish use different ways to move for

different goals. Fish modify their swimming techniques to suit the needs unique to their species,

whether it's through complex body motions or the strategic use of fins. Some, like the Leucoraja

ocellata (Winter skate), use their body's pectoral fin undulation, but others, like the Narcine
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brasiliensis

(Lesser Electric ray), use their fins' axial oscillation—possibly due to the particular

requirements of their electric organ taking up space in the pectoral fin. After conducting a

thorough analysis of the variables influencing fish swimming habits, scientists have identified a

number of important variables that affect how these creatures move. Research by Huang et al.

(2017) highlights the importance of muscle mass and how differences in muscle quantity might

affect swimming technique and efficiency. Furthermore, studies conducted by Aschliman et al.

(2012) highlight the importance of body shape in determining swimming behavior, since

streamlined forms allow for more fluid swimming. Furthermore, the properties of fish skin, as

stated by Creager & Porter (2018), play a crucial role in hydrodynamics, affecting drag and

buoyancy, thus shaping swimming performance. By examining these interconnected factors, a

more comprehensive understanding emerges of how various physiological and anatomical traits

converge to influence the diverse swimming behaviors observed in fish species worldwide.

Researchers have discovered that batoid swimming mechanics are complex and that

several tactics are used by these marine animals to propel themselves; some use their tails, while

others rely on their pectoral fins (Macesic et al., 2013). Still, there is a lot we don't know about

how skin characteristics affect these different swimming styles. This difference becomes

especially noticeable when contrasting how Narcine brasiliensis and Leucoraja ocellata move.

Leucoraja ocellata predominantly utilize their pectoral fins for swimming, while electric rays

employ a unique method known as "body-caudal-fin locomotion," where the caudal fin plays a

primary role (Rosenblum et al., 2011). We put out a number of ideas in an effort to close this

gap by clarifying the function of skin traits in batoid swimming. First, we speculate that

Leucoraja ocellata' fin curvature will have a greater range of motion than that of Narcine
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brasiliensis, possibly due to the difference in where the electric organs of the two species are

located: The organ of electric rays is found in the pectoral fin, whereas the organ of skaters is

found in the tail. This distinction may contribute to the explanation of why electric rays require

less pectoral fin aid to move. We also estimate that the medial skin of the pectoral fins of both

species will be stiffer than the lateral skin, given their curvature towards the spine while

swimming. This variation in stiffness could have an impact on the fins' ability to move freely

and effectively during locomotion. In addition, we predict that because Leucoraja ocellata and

Narcine brasiliensis have different locomotion tactics, the Young's modulus will be higher in

the Narcine brasiliensis. Young's modulus is a measure of elasticity, equal to the ratio of stress

to strain. If a high value is produced, that indicates that the material does not stretch easily,

which in skin could impact curvature of a fin during swimming.

METHODS

Three juvenile male and two mature female Leucoraja ocellata were collected from

Newport, RI, in order to get specimen information. Five Narcine brasiliensis total—three

juvenile males, one mature male, and one juvenile female—were also collected from the Gulf

Specimen Marine Lab in Panacea, Florida. Every batoid underwent a fin curvature test as part of

the experimental protocol. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the pectoral fins'

flexibility in both Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine brasiliensis. The procedure involved using 3

hooks and strings, where 3 different sutures were inserted into the most lateral edge of the left

pectoral fin while holding the spine steady. Then, the strings were pulled horizontally in a

medial direction to observe how far the fin would bend – this test was performed on the dorsal

and ventral surfaces. This method enabled the quantification of the range of motion in the

pectoral fins of both species, providing insightful information about their capacity for
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swimming and possible adaptations. After the fin curvature test, we moved on to assessing

pectoral fin curvature using angles using ImageJ software (Schneider et al., 2012). Ten tests

were performed on the sample population of Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine brasiliensis. Every

specimen was examined carefully, and high-resolution photos were taken, which were then

imported into ImageJ to calculate angles accurately. A thorough dataset of angle measurements

was produced by this analytically diligent approach, which also gave important insights into the

variation in pectoral fin curvature within and across species. After that, statistical studies were

carried out to clarify any possible variations and correlations, improving our comprehension of

the biomechanical adaptations and swimming expertise of Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine

brasiliensis.

The experimental technique also involved material testing to evaluate the mechanical

characteristics of Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine brasiliensis skin. Five Leucoraja ocellata and

and five Narcine brasiliensis were included in the sample size for this portion of the

examination. Sections of skin were cut from certain places on each batoid, with size differences

taken into consideration according to the dimensions of each individual specimen, all the while

adhering to standard ratios. In particular, skin sections were taken from the pectoral fin's medial

portion in the direction of the pectoral girdle as well as its lateral edge. After that, these skin

samples were put through mechanical testing with a materials tester that applied regulated

tension across a 1 cm distance in the cranial-caudal direction at a rate of 2 mm/s until the

machine hit a maximum load of 24N being applied.

In the last stage of our research, we compared important characteristics between the two

batoid species, Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine brasiliensis, using statistical analysis. Our

specific objectives were to assess the pectoral fin's range of motion and tensile stiffness in the

skin. We used bar graphs and stress-strain curves to visually display the data in order to make
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this comparison easier. Our statistical research looked at the values produced by the curvature

index equation and Young's modulus in an attempt to identify any notable changes between the

two species. We used a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a reliable statistical technique

appropriate for comparing means among several groups to do this.

RESULTS

The pectoral fin of L. ocellata appeared to curl more than that of N. brasiliensis in the

curvature test– but that was with the naked eye. Our data was found to be statistically

insignificant after performing a one-way ANOVA. Unfortunately, there was nothing to compare

the extremely wide range of numbers with. The P values were very high. The mean values for N.

brasiliensis dorsal were 1.752, 1.952 for N. brasiliensis ventral, 1.804 for L. ocellata dorsal, and

2.067 for L. ocellata ventral. N. brasiliensis dorsal standard deviation is 0.456, N. brasiliensis

ventral standard deviation is 0.641, L. ocellata ventral standard deviation is 0.162, and L.

ocellata dorsal standard deviation is 0.32. Despite these variations, the statistical analysis

revealed no significant differences between the two species fin curvature.

Fig. 1 Displays the avg curvature index for each specimen.

We entered the materials test blind, not knowing what the possible outcomes would be.

These outcomes of a one-way ANOVA were likewise not statistically significant. The P values
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were quite high because of the large range and considerable variability of these figures. In terms

of Young's modulus, the average values for ray lateral (31.6), ray medial (30.4), skate lateral

(30.5), and skate medial (36.58) are all average. The ray lateral standard deviation is 18.844, the

ray medial standard deviation is 13.571, the skate lateral standard deviation is 16.170, and the

skate medial standard deviation is 22.939.

Fig. 2 Displays the avg young’s modulus found from each specimen.

Given the wide range of results in our Young's modulus, it's possible that human error occurred.

It could be important if all of the skin cuts were the same size because some of them varied in

size. Another idea is that the N. brasiliensis' skin had tiny thorns. Thorns on skin cuts may have

contributed to the discrepancy in our results because N. brasiliensis are quite thorny and it is

difficult to maintain the cuts clear of thorns. Finally, the materials tester pulls on the skin,

shredding it in the process. Our results might have been so erratic due to the manner the skin was

tugged in the material tester.

DISCUSSION

As we went over the results of our investigation, two things were clear. First off,

statistical analysis did not corroborate our theory about Leucoraja ocellata and Narcine

brasiliensis, despite the fin curvature test's visual support for it. Second, there were no

appreciable variations in the tensile stiffness of the lateral and medial skin of either species,

according to the materials test. This may suggest that the flexibility of the pectoral fins and the
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way in which batoids swim may not be related to the Young's modulus of skin. This means that

more investigation is needed to determine the reasons behind the various swimming styles of

batoids. This could involve investigating the skin's collagen content, comparing the skin of

batoids to that of other elasmobranchs and identifying any similarities, and examining the

calcification patterns of the skeletal components of batoids.

Fig.3 Collagen properties

Supporting and fortifying the skin, muscles, and bones is collagen, which is a structural

protein. According to Avenue et al. (2021) it is utilized in the production of connective tissue,

which helps tissues become robust, durable, and stretch-resistant. Research by Hwang et al.

(2007) investigates the skate (Raja kenojei) skin's collagens' biomechanical properties. Based on

this study, we may conclude that Raja kenojei’s epidermis has more collagen than its muscles and

cartilage. In addition, the direct location of the collagen in the skin might influence the skin's

resistance depending on how force is exerted (see fig.3) (Ottani et al., 2001).

Animals' skin has a vital part in their lives. Since sharks and batoids belong to the same

family, it would be possible to compare and contrast their skin to see if any clues can be found

there. (Creager & Porter, 2018) investigated the tensile characteristics of sharks. Shark denticles,

which are tiny projections that resemble teeth buried in the skin, affect the shark's swimming

velocity. The skin becomes less resistant as the density of the denticles rises – which implies that

denticles could have an impact on the skin's absorption of energy. Their results suggest that the

scales of bony fishes affect the skin's ability to withstand punctures, which could mean that the

characteristics of batoid skin are related to the Young’s modulus value.

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Fig 4. Dorsal view of the left side of the animal is shown. Red areas indicate calcification, blue is cartilage.

Ultimately, according to Schaefer et al. (2005), scientists have found that calcification

affects oscillatory swimmers (like Narcine brasiliensis) differently than undulatory swimmers

(like Leucoraja ocellata). These variations call for differing levels of stiffness in various wing

regions.

Fig.5 Calcification patterns in different areas on different species

By analyzing the variations in calcification patterns and skeletal element stiffness,

scientists might deduce how these structural variations can affect the swimming propulsion

systems employed by various batoid species (Fig.5). This understanding clarifies the various

adaptations and techniques used by batoids to effectively navigate their aquatic surroundings,

and makes the most sense as to why batoids display different swimming methods.
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Fig. 6 showing Calcification of a Gymnura crebripunctaca pectoral fin (longsnout butterfly ray).

Fig.7 showing Calcification of a Urobatis halleri pectoral fin (round stingray).

REFERENCES

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2011.12.012

Creager, S. B., & Porter, M. E. (2018). Stiff and tough: A comparative study on the tensile

properties of shark skin. Zoology, 126, 154–163.

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.zool.2017.10.002

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