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In this lesson, we will define and discuss the basic external (outside) anatomy of bony fish.
Note to Teachers/Parents: We recognize some vocabulary terms in this lesson might be advanced for this grade band. Please consider reading along with your students/children.
What makes a fish a fish?
What makes a fish a fish?
Before we learn about the different parts of a fish, where they're located, and how they function, let's first define a fish.
Before we learn about the different parts of a fish, where they're located, and how they function, let's first define a fish.
A fish is a cold-blooded animal with a backbone which lives in water, breathes oxygen through gills, and has fins.
A fish is a cold-blooded animal with a backbone which lives in water, breathes oxygen through gills, and has fins.
Wait a minute, what's anatomy?
Wait a minute, what's anatomy?
It's simple, anatomy is the study of the bodily form of living organisms. Fish anatomy is the study of the bodily form of fish, like our friend on the right!
It's simple, anatomy is the study of the bodily form of living organisms. Fish anatomy is the study of the bodily form of fish, like our friend on the right!
Can you name any parts of a fish?
Can you name any parts of a fish?
Take a minute to write down or discuss any parts you may already know. If you can't think of any, that's ok! We will learn all about the external (outside) anatomy of bony fish in the next section.
Take a minute to write down or discuss any parts you may already know. If you can't think of any, that's ok! We will learn all about the external (outside) anatomy of bony fish in the next section.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Next, let's go over some key vocabulary terms. These terms will help us complete the matching activity below.
Next, let's go over some key vocabulary terms. These terms will help us complete the matching activity below.
Each fin on a fish performs a specific function.
Each fin on a fish performs a specific function.
Anal Fin: The anal fin helps stabilize the fish while swimming. It is located on the lower portion of the body near the tail.
Anal Fin: The anal fin helps stabilize the fish while swimming. It is located on the lower portion of the body near the tail.
Caudal Fin: The caudal (tail) fin helps the fish with propulsion (forward movement). It forms the tail of the fish.
Caudal Fin: The caudal (tail) fin helps the fish with propulsion (forward movement). It forms the tail of the fish.
Pectoral Fins: The pectoral fins are paired fins located on either side of the body, near the head, that assist the fish with side to side movement.
Pectoral Fins: The pectoral fins are paired fins located on either side of the body, near the head, that assist the fish with side to side movement.
Pelvic Fins: The pelvic fins are paired fins on the lower portion of the body, near the head, that help balance the fish and prevent it from rolling from side to side.
Pelvic Fins: The pelvic fins are paired fins on the lower portion of the body, near the head, that help balance the fish and prevent it from rolling from side to side.
1st Dorsal Fin: The 1st dorsal fin prevents the fish from rolling and assists with turning. It is located on the top of the fish.
1st Dorsal Fin: The 1st dorsal fin prevents the fish from rolling and assists with turning. It is located on the top of the fish.
2nd Dorsal Fin: The 2nd dorsal fin, located just past the 1st, helps stabilize the fish while swimming.
2nd Dorsal Fin: The 2nd dorsal fin, located just past the 1st, helps stabilize the fish while swimming.
In addition to fins, fish have other important parts, too.
In addition to fins, fish have other important parts, too.
Eyes: The eyes are located on the head of the fish. They help the fish see underwater.
Eyes: The eyes are located on the head of the fish. They help the fish see underwater.
Operculum: The operculum, or gill plate, protects the fish's sensitive gills. Gills help the fish "breathe" oxygen underwater!
Operculum: The operculum, or gill plate, protects the fish's sensitive gills. Gills help the fish "breathe" oxygen underwater!
Lateral Line: The lateral line is a series of sensory pores (small openings) that run along the side of the fish. These pores help the fish sense vibrations in the water!
Lateral Line: The lateral line is a series of sensory pores (small openings) that run along the side of the fish. These pores help the fish sense vibrations in the water!
Mouth: The mouth allows the fish to feed. The mouth's shape offers a clue as to what the fish eats!
Mouth: The mouth allows the fish to feed. The mouth's shape offers a clue as to what the fish eats!
Nostrils: Nostrils, or nares, help the fish detect smells underwater. Some fish, like catfish and eels, rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food.
Nostrils: Nostrils, or nares, help the fish detect smells underwater. Some fish, like catfish and eels, rely heavily on their sense of smell to find food.
Matching Activity
Matching Activity
For this activity, try matching the key vocabulary terms above with the various parts of the fish shown below. If you would like to print a paper copy, please click here. An answer key will be provided at the bottom of this page.
For this activity, try matching the key vocabulary terms above with the various parts of the fish shown below. If you would like to print a paper copy, please click here. An answer key will be provided at the bottom of this page.
Video Break
Video Break
If you're having a little trouble with the matching activity above, take a look at the fun and informative video from Clarendon Learning on the left!
If you're having a little trouble with the matching activity above, take a look at the fun and informative video from Clarendon Learning on the left!
Answer Key
Answer Key
Now that you've completed the matching activity, check the answer key below to see how you did!
Now that you've completed the matching activity, check the answer key below to see how you did!
Build-a-Fish Activity
Build-a-Fish Activity
Interested in building your own fish? Check out the Fintastic Fish Maker activity from PBS!
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