Name ______Date ______Main ______

Introduction

What makes a fish a fish?

  • Gills, fins and scales are usually present
  • The difference between fish and whales: Whales are mammals (have hair, breathe air, warm blooded, have live birth and feed their babies milk)

Important Reminders:

  1. Remember that this is a learning experience, if you feel moved to proclaim your emotions, please say “How interesting!”
  1. There will be a code word, “PELAGIC” used when your teacher needs your attention. When you hear this, you need to stop what you are doing, stop talking, look at your teacher, and listen.
  1. Treat your fish and the materials with respect.

Set Up:

  1. Put all books, except for the lab papers and a pencil, under your table.
  1. One partner should get the aprons and gloves for the group.
  1. The other partner should stack all chairs away from the tables, if needed.
  1. Follow the directions for the activity.

CLEAN UP

When you are finished with the activity, please follow these directions carefully.

  1. Return fish to designated area (if asked to do so)
  1. Carefully roll up the newspaper from your table and dispose of it in large trashcan.
  1. Wipe down the tables with a clean, wet sponge and antibacterial spray.
  1. Hang up your apron where indicated
  1. Take off your gloves and throw them away.
  1. Wash you hands with soap and water.

I. EXTERNAL ANATOMY

A. General Observations:

1.Take a few minutes to walk around and look at the fish in the classroom.

2. Pick one fish to observe. Follow the directions below:

Use the diagram, External Anatomy of a Fish, todraw and label the different parts of the fish on a separate sheet of paper. Be sure to indicate which fish you are drawing.

  • Fins(be sure to note the shape and feel of the fins – spiny, soft etc…)
  • Dorsal
  • Caudal (be sure to note the shape of the caudal fin)
  • Pectoral
  • Anal
  • Pelvic
  • Lateral Line – used to pick up vibrations in the water so the fish can “hear” objects.
  • Operculum – covers the gills like a plate
  • Gills – red in coloration and are used for breathing, usually the fish will take water into its mouth and expel it out of the gills. The gills pick up the oxygen in the water.
  • Mouth
  • Be sure to note the coloration of the fish as well

B. The Mouth

Open the fish’s mouth and take a good look!

  1. Does your fish have a tongue? ______What does it feel like? ______
  2. Does your fish have teeth?______Where? ______
  3. Given the location of the fish’s mouth and teeth, make a guess as to where it might feed and what it might eat?______
  4. Put your pencil into the fish’s mouth. Where does it come out? ______

C. Adaptations

Take a good look at your fish and answer the following questions:

  1. How would you describe the body shape of the fish? ______
  2. How would you describe the mouth shape of the fish? ______
  3. How would you describe the coloration of the fish? ______

Based on these descriptions, make a hypothesis as to which marine community you think this fish spends most of its time. Be sure to state the marine community and describe how each of the adaptations helps the fish survive.

Write your answer in complete sentences below.