FISH FINS

Why do fish have five different types of fins?

Fish use their fins for balance, stability, speed and steering while they are swimming. They sometimes rest by sitting on their belly fins (the paired ventral/pelvic fins). These are the five different types of fins on fish:

1.    Top Fin (Dorsal Fin) This fin helps fish keep their balance so they do not roll while swimming and helps fish make sharp turns.

2.    Paired (2) Side Fins (Pectoral Fins) These fins also help with balance and assist with side-to-side direction and speed as fish swim. They act as brakes to help fish slow down.

3.    Tail Fin (Caudal Fin) This fin helps push fish forward, acts as a rudder and helps fish change direction.

4.    Paired (2) Belly Fins (Ventral or Pelvic Fins) These fins help fish with steering and balance. Fish sometimes rest by sitting on these fins.

5.    Bottom Fin (Anal Fin) This fin is at the bottom of the fish’s’ belly. This fin helps with steering and balance.