Trailers/streamers

[neutrino]

From what I've read (books and articles, not forums) the answer is basically all of the above and more and it depends on the species and their environment or their niche in the environment. Overall, fins provide some combination of propulsion, stability and maneuverability, sensory, defense (catfish, for example), display, hunting (lionfish, for example) function-- and sometimes other, even more specialized functions. Generally, but not a rule, slower moving fish and/or slower moving water and/or less open environment (lot of obstacles to navigate, whether rocks, vegetation, etc.) tends to mean longer fin extensions than fast moving fish, fast moving water, etc.

 

[duanes]

Fish do not have a monopoly on extensions, the feathers in males of the bird of paradise group in New Guinea have amazing extensions and color along with an amazing array of calls), thought to be mainly for impressing females.
But we are talking fish aren't we?

 

[jag123]

Fish do not have a monopoly on extensions, the feathers in males of the bird of paradise group in New Guinea have amazing extensions and color along with an amazing array of calls), thought to be mainly for impressing females.
But we are talking fish aren't we?

Yes we are talking fish indeed! Thank you for the excellent examples as always. It is interesting that you bring up other animals, as I imagine this characteristic can be linked to other vertebrates as well.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[jag123]

From what I've read (books and articles, not forums) the answer is basically all of the above and more and it depends on the species and their environment or their niche in the environment. Overall, fins provide some combination of propulsion, stability and maneuverability, sensory, defense (catfish, for example), display, hunting (lionfish, for example) function-- and sometimes other, even more specialized functions. Generally, but not a rule, slower moving fish and/or slower moving water and/or less open environment (lot of obstacles to navigate, whether rocks, vegetation, etc.) tends to mean longer fin extensions than fast moving fish, fast moving water, etc.

Thank you for the insight! I did not realize until now that your what your saying is spot on: fish living in slower moving rivers or more turbid waters may tend towards more elaborate fin extensions, and fish in faster moving rivers may not have them at all since they would be more of a hinderance than anything.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app