Fish Dissection

This dissection introduces students to the anatomy of bony fish. By examining both external and internal features, students learn how adaptations such as fins, gills, and swim bladders enable fish to move, breathe, feed, and survive in aquatic environments.

• Follow instructions provided in the links below.

Fish Dissection Full Dissection - MontanaFWP:

Fish Dissection Episode 5 - MontanaFWP:

📄 Fish Dissection - Marine Waters: https://marinewaters.fish.wa.gov.au/resource/lesson-fish-dissection/

• Compare anatomy of different fish species (e.g., whiting vs. mullet).
• Contrast bony fish anatomy with cartilaginous fish such as sharks or rays.
• Conduct a virtual fish dissection for preparation or review.

* Gloves and lab coat required.

• Use blunt-tipped scissors where possible to avoid accidents.
• Keep fish on ice until dissection to reduce odor and make tissues firmer.
• Dispose of fish waste in sealed bags, preferably frozen until collection day.
• Disinfect tools, trays, and surfaces after the dissection.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

• What does the shape of the caudal fin suggest about how the fish swims? (Forked or lunate fins indicate fast, continuous swimming; rounded fins suggest maneuverability.)
• What can mouth shape and teeth tell us about the fish’s diet? (Upturned mouths suggest surface feeding; downward mouths suggest bottom feeding.)
• How does the swim bladder help conserve energy? (By adjusting gas levels, the fish controls buoyancy without constant swimming.)
• What advantage do multiple layers of gill filaments provide? (They increase surface area for gas exchange.)
• How does the intestine length relate to diet? (Carnivorous fish usually have shorter intestines; herbivores have longer, coiled intestines for digesting plant matter.)