BiologyBase
Base Museum Life Sciences Dept
Fish Anatomy
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Pectoral fins - homologous to the tetrapod arm, the pectoral fins are supported by the pectoral girdle. They act as stabilizers and assist the fish in smaller motions and holding position.
Some fishes such as scuplins and lionfishes the pectoral fins are enlarged and used for display, and as in those two examples the fins may have sharp and/or venomous spines for defense.
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Original content copyright 1995-2007 Robert B. Hole, Jr. All Rights Reserved