Goldfish Anatomy and Metabolism

metabolism

how much energy is used to stay alive and carry out bodily functions such as digestion, respiration, immune responses, and more

exothermic

organisms that primarily rely on external environment for body heat regulation

operculum

a bony flap that covers and protects the gills of fish, aiding in respiration by separating oxygen from water and allowing water to flow out of the gills

dorsal fin

the fin located on the back of fish that helps with high speed turning

pectoral fins (left and right)

fins located on the sides of fish that are used for low speed movement and steering

pelvic/ventral fins (left and right)

fins located on the underside of fish that assist with stabilization and staying in one place

anal fin

the fin located on the underside of fish, typically towards the tail, that helps with staying in one place

caudal fin

the fin located at the tail end of fish, primarily used for propulsion and forward movement