What is Fish Anatomy? Anatomy is the study of the materials that make up an animal, including its skin, muscles and the tissues that make up its organs. Understanding animal anatomy is important because this can tell us what is required from the environment for the animal to live.

Gills The gills allow the fish to absorb dissolved oxygen Swim Bladder out of the water as well as filter water from the food The swim bladder can best be compared to a it swallows. The gills are made up of strands of gill balloon. The “balloon” always holds some air, to filaments and gill rakers. keep the fish upright. But, when a fish wants to swim nearer to the surface, it inflates the bladder with air Heart that is absorbed through the gills. When the fish The heart is in a separate chamber from the rest of wants to sink, it burps out air which deflates the the organs. It pumps blood throughout the fishes balloon, causing the fish to sink. body and passes through the gills, adding fresh oxygen to the blood. Roe The egg sack is also called skein or roe. Female Esophagus salmon carry two to five thousand eggs. When Kidney The esophagus is the highway to the female fish are ready to spawn, they deposit the eggs The kidney assists the body in its removal of digestive system. Food and water pass in the gravel of a stream in a nest called a redd, toxins and poison. It also works to maintain a through here on the way to the stomach where the eggs will hatch in the spring. Some fish balance of the body’s fluids and chemicals. and are then sent on to the appropriate eggs, such as sturgeon, are considered a delicacy. Excess water, waste, toxins and chemicals are part of the system for processing. expelled through the vent. Stomach and Intestines This is where food is processed, broken down and digested. Once broken down, food passes Spleen through the intestinal tract where sugars, The spleen helps the body to recreate red vitamins and fats are absorbed. This process blood cells and assists the body in its provides the fish with energy and the nutrients it natural healing process. needs to live and grow. Milt Sack Liver Gall Bladder The milt sack contains the semen that is used by the The liver sends bile to the gall bladder for storage. The The gall bladder is a warehouse for the male to fertilize the eggs the female lays. The male bile helps the fish take out the nutrients from what it bile that is created by the liver. From may fertilize the eggs of a number of different has eaten. The liver also removes toxins from the here, the bile is sent to the stomach to females, increasing the chances of the strongest blood and stores chemicals essential to the fish. help break down food. traits of that one male being passed to future generations. Fisheries and Oceans Pcê hes et Océans Canada Canada Canada