Fish Anatomy LKS For Student

Fish Anatomy Activity
Focus
Prepare for seining in the field by practicing fish identification and measuring techniques using rubber fish toys or
preserved fish if available.
Learning Objectives
Students will
• learn fish anatomy.
• learn measuring techniques.
• practice fish identification protocols used in the field.
Materials
• Rubber or plastic fish toys of different types of fish

• Measuring boards
• Stereoscope or hand lens
• Dissecting probe
• Dissecting tray or plate
• External fish anatomy diagram
• Sample data sheets used in the field
• Student data table
• Camera
Target Audience
Middle School or High School students (or community groups preparing to seine)
Teaching Time
1-2 45-minute class periods

Seating Arrangement
Small groups (2-3 students)
Background Information
• Rubber or plastic fish toys will work fine for this activity, although they do not show as much detail on fish anatomy
as real fish. Preserved fish or fresh fish from a local bait shop would be a better alternative to use if available. Wear
gloves and safety goggles if using chemically preserved fish from a biological company.
• Go over general fish anatomy using diagram attached. Information can be found at
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/fish/printouts/Fishcoloring.shtml (general fish diagram)
http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/anatomy.html (large mouth bass)
http://badmanstropicalfish.com/anatomy.html (tropical fish)
• Labeling structures of bony fish activity found at

http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/bonyfishanatomyworksheet.doc
• Fish body shape information and activity for younger students found at
http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/fishanatomy.htm
• Demonstrate proper technique fro measuring fish on the measuring boards. Place head on the end of the board
and measure the length to the end of the tail fin.
http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/measure.html (demonstration using large mouth bass)
• View presentation of fish identification provided by Joe Pereira. See attached file (or link)
Learning Procedure
1. View PowerPoint of fish identification provided by Joe Pereira (or guide students through fish anatomy diagram).
Complete worksheet attached (http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/bonyfishanatomyworksheet.doc) Answer key
on website.
2. Obtain one fish per group and describe qualitative observations of overall body shape (round, flat,) and color or
patterns. Record on student data sheet.
3. Describe the shape of the head as well as the shape and relative location of the upper and lower jaws. Record on
student data sheet.
4. Identify the caudal (tail) fin and describe the shape. Record on student data sheet.
5. Measure the length of the fish in millimeters using the measuring board. Record on student data sheet.
6. Describe the shape of the dorsal fin, gently spread the spines apart using dissecting probe and count the number
of spines present, if using preserved fish. Record on student data sheet.
7. Describe the shape of the anal fin, gently spread the spines apart using dissecting probe and count the number of
spines present, if using preserved fish. Record on student data sheet.
8. Photograph the fish using data marker (fish ID) and measured photograph tray.
9. Print photograph and label fish anatomy.
10. Repeat with a different fish type, if time permits OR share data between all groups.
Extensions
Use preserved fish (or fresh fish from local bait shop) for variety.
CT Science Standards
C IQ.2 Read, interpret and examine the credibility of scientific claims in different sources of information.
C IQ.5 Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.
C IQ.6 Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data.
C IQ.7 Identify and present relationships between variables in appropriate graphs.
C IQ.8 Draw conclusions and identify sources of error.
C IQ.10 Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.
Fish Anatomy Activity
Student Materials
Purpose
Prepare for seining in the field by practicing fish identification and measuring techniques using available preserved fish
Materials
• Rubber or plastic fish toys of different types of fish
• Measuring boards
• Stereoscope or hand lens
• Dissecting probe
• Dissecting tray or plate
• External fish anatomy diagram
Procedure
1. Using textbooks or websites included below, label diagram 1 on your data sheet.
(http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/fishanatomy.htm (general fish anatomy information);
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/fish/printouts/Fishcoloring.shtml (general fish diagram);
http://floridafisheries.com/Fishes/anatomy.html (large mouth bass); http://badmanstropicalfish.com/anatomy.html
(tropical fish))
2. Obtain one fish per group and describe qualitative observations of overall body shape and color or patterns.
Record on student data sheet.
3. Describe the shape of the head as well as the shape and relative location of the upper and lower jaws. Record on
student data sheet.
4. Identify the caudal (tail) fin and describe the shape. Record on student data sheet.
5. Measure the length of the fish in millimeters using the measuring board. Record on student data sheet.
6. Describe the shape of the dorsal fin, gently spread the spines apart using dissecting probe and count the number
of spines present, if using preserved fish. Record on student data sheet.
7. Describe the shape of the anal fin, gently spread the spines apart using dissecting probe and count the number of
spines present, if using preserved fish. Record on student data sheet.
8. Photograph the fish using data marker (fish ID) and measured photograph tray.
9. Print photograph and label fish anatomy.
10. Repeat with another fish, if time permits OR share data between all groups.
Diagram 1: External Fish Anatomy from: http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/bonyfishanatomyworksheet.doc
atomy of Bony Fish

Data Table: Observations of Preserved Fish
Parameter Description
Body shape
Color/ pattern
Shape of head
Shape and relative location of upper/

lower jaws
Shape of caudal fin
Body length (mm)
Shape of Dorsal Fin
Number of spines on Dorsal Fin
Shape of Anal Fin
Number of spines on Anal Fin

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Fish Anatomy Activity

• Rubber or plastic fish toys of different types of fish

1-2 45-minute class periods

Small groups (2-3 students)

• Labeling structures of bony fish activity found at

atomy of Bony Fish

Shape and relative location of upper/

Shape of caudal fin

Body length (mm)

Shape of Dorsal Fin

Number of spines on Dorsal Fin

Shape of Anal Fin

Number of spines on Anal Fin

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