Fish

FISH FACTS
 * = Body Structure =

o Bony or cartilaginous skeleton o Paired Fins: used for swimming, steering, and balance o Scales – thin, bony plates o Jaws: used for crushing and gnawing food

o gills for breathing o 2-chambered heart o ectothermic (cold-blooded) o swim bladder – air sac used to control depth in water o EXTERNAL FERTILIZATION § Spawning - females lay many eggs § Milting - males fertilize eggs with milt (contains sperm) o EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT in aquatic egg
 * Body Function
 *  Reproduction


 * Classification & Taxonomy

 Class: Agnatha o Jawless fish o Example: lampreys and hagfish o Sharp rasping teeth allow suckers to suck blood from other fish o Skeletons made of cartilage

 Class: Chondricthyes o Cartilaginous fishes o Bodies made of cartilage o Ex. Sharks, skates, rays

 Class: Osteicthyes: o Bony Fish o Ex. Perch, tuna, musky Catfish, Bluegill, etc. o Most numerous species of all fish classes