Perch Dissection

Anal Fin

A single fin near the anus that keeps the fish upright and moving in a straight line

Anterior Dorsal Fin

Anterior single fin on the dorsal midline that keeps the fish upright and moving in a straight line

Caudal Fin

A single fin extending from the tail that moves side to side and propels fish forward

Gills

Paired external respiratory organs for gas exchange in water

Lateral Line

A row of sensory structures on either side of the fishes body, and connected to the brain, which detect vibrations (hearing) and chemicals in the water

Mandible

Bottom portion of the jaw

Maxilla

Top portion of the jaw

Operculum

A hard plate on either side of the head that covers and protects the gills

Pectoral Fins

Paired fins (ventral-anterior) for steering, braking and moving up, down or backward

Pelvic Fins

Paired fins (ventral-posterior) for steering, braking and moving up, down or backwards

Posterior Dorsal Fin

Posterior single fin on the dorsal midline that keeps the fish upright and moving in a straight line

Posterior Side

Side near tail

Ventral Side

Bottom or belly side

Anterior Side

Side near head

Dorsal side

Top or back side

Gill Arch

Cartilaginous rods that support gill rakers and gill filaments

Gill Filaments

"Feathery" structures where gas exchange occurs; very red in appearance because of blood vessels; blood flow opposite water flow (countercurrent)

Gill Rakers

Hard projections along the inner surface of fishes' gills used for filtering out plankton and debris

Stomach

A muscular and elastic sac that serves mainly to store food, break it up mechanically, and begin chemical digestion of proteins and fat.

Intestine

The part of the digestive tube below or behind the stomach, extending to the anus where most of chemical digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place.

Liver

Large structure that detoxifies poisons, produces bile, and helps digest fat among other functions.

Pyloric Cecae

Finger shaped pouches near stomach/intestine that secrete digestive enzymes and absorb nutrients such as fat

Heart

A muscular two-chambered structure that pumps blood through the fish to exchange gasses

Countercurrent Blood Flow in Gills

Blood flows into gills in opposite direction of blood flow, this maximizes gas exchange and minimizes heat loss

Blood Flow through Heart

One way blood flow from body---> sinus venosus---> atrium ----> ventricle---> conus arteriosus---> gills---> body

Brain

A protected organ in the head that receives and processes sensory input from both inside and outside the body

Kidney

A pair of organs near the back wall of the abdominal cavity that filter waste, unused minerals, and water that make up urine; they are the main organs of osmoregulation (retaining or releasing salt and water)

Ovary

Female reproductive organ (unpaired in bony fish) that produces eggs.

Testes

Male reproductive organs (paired) that produce sperm.

Swim Bladder

An air-filled sac near the spinal column that helps maintain buoyancy.