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In many fish, the pectoral fins aid in walking, especially in the lobe-like fins of some anglerfish and in the mudskipper (see also walking fish) Certain rays of the pectoral fins may be adapted into finger-like projections, such as in sea robins and flying gurnards; In skates and rays, the pectoral fins are used for propulsion (rajiform ...
The Iniidae have other morphology common to species adapted to freshwater riverine habitats; [5] which include highly reduced or absent dorsal fins, so they do not become entangled in vegetation from the flooded terrestrial plains; and large, wide, paddle-like pectoral fins that allow maneuverability in confined areas cramped by vegetation. [4]
Pectoral slapping, informally known as pec-slapping, is when a cetacean turns on its side, exposes one or both pectoral fins into the air, and then slaps them against the surface of the water. It is a form of non-vocal communication [ 36 ] commonly observed in a variety of whale and dolphin species as well as seals.
Risso's dolphins are known to have a very active surface presence, often either displaying their tail flukes and pectoral fins, or slapping the surface of the water. They have also been known to engage in a behavior called spy-hopping, a common behavior in cetaceans where an individual vertically pokes their head out of the water.
South Asian river dolphins are stocky with broad, squared-off pectoral fins; elongated, slender rostrums (snouts); and tiny triangular dorsal fins. Their neck joints give them great flexibility. [3] [13] [14] Unusual among cetaceans, the blowhole is slit-shaped. [14] The finger bones can also be seen through the flippers. [13]
Animals with flippers include penguins (whose flippers are also called wings), cetaceans (e.g., dolphins and whales), pinnipeds (e.g., walruses, earless and eared seals), sirenians (e.g., manatees and dugongs), and marine reptiles such as the sea turtles and the now-extinct plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, ichthyosaurs, and metriorhynchids.
Mahi-mahi have compressed bodies and one very long dorsal fin extending from the head almost to the tail fin. Mature males have distinctive "foreheads"; it grows as the fish matures and often protrudes well above the body proper, which is streamlined by the musculature of the back. This "hump" is a sexually dimorphic feature; females have a ...
According to a study in 1971, Peale's dolphin and the Cephalorhynchus species are the only dolphins that do not whistle (no acoustic data are available for the hourglass dolphin). Peale's dolphin also shares with several Cephalorhynchus species the possession of a distinct white "armpit" marking behind the pectoral fin. [3]