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FISH HAVE FINS Fins are put into action by muscles attached to the base of the fi n's spines and rays. Spines are made of bone and are stiff and sharp, while rays are made of cartilage and are soft and fl exible. Pectoral and pelvic fi ns are paired (one on each side of the body). Dorsal, anal and caudal (tail) fi ns are not paired. Some fi sh have two dorsal fi ns or a two-part dorsal fi n, a spiny part and a soft rayed part. Fin spines can be very sharp and even serrated; they help defend a fi sh against predators. The dorsal fi n helps the fi sh to stay upright. Spines on the dorsal fi n can be raised to make the fi sh appear larger and less likely to be attacked by a predator. The anal fi n helps the fi sh to stay balanced and can also help it maneuver in tight places. Fish that are deep bodied, like bluegill, require greater stability and have long dorsal and anal fi ns. The caudal fi n provides the power that propels the fi sh forward, and also acts as a rudder to steer the fi sh's direction. The shape of the caudal fi n determines how fast the fi sh can swim and maneuver. Fish that require speed or continuous movement usually have forked tail fi ns. Forked tail fi ns have less drag than a rounded or square fi n. The pelvic fi ns, located on the bottom of the fi sh, provide stability and balance, and help the fi sh hold a position. The pectoral fi ns are located behind the gills and work like the pelvic fi ns, and also help the fi sh steer, control depth, change speed and remain in one place. Sunfi sh, bass, perch, crappie and walleye have pelvic fi ns that are located almost in alignment directly beneath the pectoral fi ns. In this body type, both fi n pairs are Fish have other unique characteristics that aren't as easy to notice as scales and fi ns. ETHICAL FISH HANDLING The process of catching a fi sh with a hook will obviously impart a certain amount of stress on a fi sh, but ethically we must strive to minimize the stress or damage to the least level possible. The following are guidelines to follow while you develop your own sense of ethical fi sh handling. ● Deeply engorged or diffi cult to remove hooks should be left in place with little or no string attached. The hook will disgorge or dissolve on its own while being no more than a temporary piercing. Hooks are cheap. ● Barbless hooks are less damaging to unhook. The barb on a regular barbed-hook can be smashed or partially smashed down with pliers. Fishing fi ghting skills improve when you learn to use barbless hooks (hint: keep the line tight). ● Released fi sh should be released immediately. Fish need water for oxygen, so hold your breath and when you feel the need to breath, put the fi sh in the water. Take pictures quickly. ● Kept fi sh should be treated and dispatched with respect. A cooler with ice water will reduce the fi sh's metabolism and senses, and will preserve the fi sh for a better quality meal. Keep no more than you can really enjoy. located near the fi sh's center of gravity and provide greater maneuverability. Additionally, the pectoral fi ns are attached vertically rather than horizontally, and can also allow greater maneuverability through a variety of habitats. Lie-in-wait predators like northern pike have dorsal and anal fi ns located towards the back of their long bodies, close to the caudal fi n. These fi ns work together to propel the fi sh forward with a burst of power when ambushing unsuspecting prey. Fish have other unique characteristics that aren't as easily observed as scales and fi ns. C. IVERSON, MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 35 CHAPTER 6 ● FISH ANATOMY