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Vertebrate Natural History - Caudal Fin Types

Caudal Fin Types Heterocercal -- upper lobe is supported by posterior section of the vertebral column upper lobe > lower lobe e... Sharks Caudal Fin Types Abbreviated heterocercal - upper lobe is slightly longer than the lower lobe e.g.Bowfins Homocercal -Vertebral column does not extend into the fin e.g., Most fishes Homocercal Fin Types Lunate tail:Very fast fish,able to maintain high speeds for long periods of time,but a lack of surface area means they can't stop or turn easily or swim backwards (e.g., tuna). Truncate tail: Cruises at intermediate speeds, with increased manoeuvrability due to a larger surface area (e.g. mangrove jack). Also able to accelerate quickly when needed. Forked tail: Cruising fish that swim continuously at very fast rate (e.g., tailor and Australian herring). Extra fin surface provides more manoeuvrability than fish with a Junate tail. Rounded tail: Swims at intermediate speeds,with greater manoeuvrability,and able to accelerate quickly for short periods e.g.,estuary co