Mouth Shapes
Terminal --When upper and lower jaws meet at anterior extreme of the fish Usually active predators that run down prey e.g.,
Subterminal/Inferior --When upper jaw extends beyond lower jaw Usually benthic feeders that pick prey on or out of substrate e.g., Deep-sea spiny eels
Superior --When lower jaw extends beyond upper jaw Usually benthic "sit and wait" predators or surface feeders e.g., Monkfishes, Topminnows
Fish Scales
Ganoid -- Rhomboid shape and composed of hard inorganic substance called ganoine e.g., Gars, Sturgeons
ctenoia
Ctenoid -- Characterized by ctenii -- small spines on trailing edge of the scale Reduce laminar flow and aid in swimming e.g., Basses, Sunfishes
External characteristics of a generalised bony fish
spinius dorsal fin
origin of dorsal fin
dorsal surface
nosterior
anterlor
soft dorsal lfin
nape
coudal fin scutes
eye
latera /line
nostril mouth
glll cover
nm
-pectoralfin
chin-
coudal peduncle
base of pectoral fin
anus
barbel
ventral surtace
anal fin
Reproduced with permission from the Museum of New Zealand
ventral or pelvic fin