Fancy Guppy Anatomy (Male)



Anatomy of a Guppy
  1. Mouth - points forward.
  2. Nostril - smell and taste (closely intertwined) is accomplished in the nasal openings, mouth and head.
  3. Eye - almost spherical in shape, selective near/far focus. Eye structure suggests fish can see in colour.
  4. Lateral line - line of scales with pores. Senses motion in water, extremely sensitive. Enables fish to control swimming.
  5. Dorsal fin
  6. Chin
  7. Operculum (gill cover) - pumps water over gills for gas exchange.
  8. Pectoral fin - paired "arms" - Used for fine movement backward and forward.
  9. Pelvic (ventral) fin - paired "legs" - Used for stability in the water.
  10. Gonopodium - modified anal fin of all live-bearing toothcarps. Used to introduce sperm to the female - has five rays.
  11. Caudal peduncle - supports the caudal fin.
  12. Caudal (tail) fin - many shapes. See Guppy Tails
  13. Fin rays - fin support structure.

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