FISH
BIOLOGY
Fisheries and Conservation
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Introduction to Fish
• Zimbabwe boasts a rich variety of
fish species, with over 122
indigenous species
• They are aquatic animals and are
cold-blooded, meaning their body
temperature fluctuates in response to
their environment.
• Fish live in both freshwater habitats,
like rivers and lakes
Classification of
Fish
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• Fish are classified mainly by the type of
skeleton they have.
• Bony fish have a skeleton made of hard
bone and represent the largest and most
diverse group of fish.
• Cartilaginous fish, like sharks and rays,
have skeletons made of cartilage instead
of true bone.
• Jawless fish, such as lampreys, are more
primitive and lack true jaws altogether.
• Bony fish are by far the most common and
include most species people know from
fishing and aquaculture.
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External
Anatomy
•Fins: dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, anal, caudal
•Lateral line
•Eyes, gills, mouth
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• Each fin has a specific function: the dorsal and anal fins
help with stability, the pectoral and pelvic fins assist in
steering and balance, and the caudal (tail) fin provides
propulsion.
• The lateral line is a sensory organ that runs along the sides
of the fish. It detects water movement and vibrations,
helping fish sense predators or prey nearby.
• The eyes provide vision adapted to underwater light, the
mouth is specialized for different feeding strategies, and
the gills allow fish to extract oxygen from water.
Internal Anatomy
•Skeleton
•Swim bladder
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•Digestive system
•Heart (two-chambered)
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• The fish skeleton supports the body and protects vital
organs, just like in other vertebrates.
• The swim bladder is a gas-filled organ that helps fish
maintain neutral buoyancy in the water, allowing them to
neither sink nor float too easily.
• The digestive system is adapted to their diet, whether
carnivorous, herbivorous, or omnivorous.
• Fish have a simple but efficient circulatory system with a
two-chambered heart that pumps blood through their gills to
pick up oxygen, then delivers it to the rest of the body.
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Fish Respiration
•Gills extract oxygen
•Water flows over gill filaments
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• Fish breathe using gills, which are highly specialized organs
that extract dissolved oxygen from water.
• As water flows over the thin gill filaments, oxygen diffuses into
the fish’s bloodstream while carbon dioxide leaves the blood.
• The counter-current exchange system — where blood flows in
the opposite direction to water — maximizes oxygen
absorption efficiency.
• It’s important to note that fish depend on enough dissolved
oxygen in water for survival, making water quality critical for
healthy fish populations.
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Circulatory System
•Two-chambered heart
•Single circulation loop
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• Fish have a two-chambered heart, made up of one atrium
and one ventricle, which is simpler than mammal hearts.
• Their blood follows a single circulation loop: it goes from
the heart to the gills to pick up oxygen, then directly to the
rest of the body before returning to the heart.
• This system is efficient for an aquatic lifestyle, but it means
blood pressure drops after passing through the gills,
limiting activity levels compared to land animals.
• Still, it meets the needs of most fish species very
effectively.
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Sensory Systems
•Lateral line
•Vision adapted for underwater
•Smell and taste
. 13
• Fish rely on a variety of senses to survive and thrive in their environment.
• The lateral line is a special sensory organ running along the sides of the
fish that detects water movements and vibrations, helping them sense
prey, predators, or obstacles.
• Fish eyes are adapted for underwater vision, often with a spherical lens
for clearer images.
• Their sense of smell is very strong, helping them find food or detect
pheromones, while taste buds on their mouth and even fins can help
them identify suitable food items.
• Altogether, these sensory systems give fish excellent awareness of their
environment.
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Reproduction
•Mostly oviparous (egg-laying)
•Some live-bearers
•External fertilization common
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• Most fish are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs that hatch outside
the mother’s body.
• A few species are live-bearers, giving birth to fully developed
young.
• External fertilization is very common: eggs and sperm are released
into the water, and fertilization happens outside the female’s body.
• Fish often show complex spawning behaviors, including nest
building or migration, to ensure the survival of their young.
• These reproductive strategies help maintain fish populations in
diverse aquatic environments.
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Adaptations
•Streamlined body shape
•Protective scales and mucus
•Coloration and camouflage
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• Fish have evolved a streamlined body shape that reduces water
resistance and allows efficient swimming.
• Their scales provide physical protection, while a slimy mucus
coating helps prevent infections and makes them harder for
predators to grab.
• Many fish have remarkable coloration — some use bright colors
to attract mates or warn predators, while others use camouflage
to blend in with rocks, plants, or the lakebed to avoid detection.
• These adaptations allow fish to survive in a wide range of
aquatic environments and ecological niches.
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Fish Ecology and
Role in Ecosystems
•Key links in aquatic food webs
•Support biodiversity
•Provide food and income
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• Fish play crucial roles in aquatic food webs by controlling
populations of insects, smaller fish, and plankton, while also
serving as prey for birds, mammals, and larger fish.
• They support biodiversity, maintaining the balance and
health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Fish are also vital to humans, providing a major protein
source worldwide and supporting millions of livelihoods
through fishing and aquaculture.
• Healthy fish populations help keep aquatic ecosystems
stable and resilient.
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Importance of Fish
Biology
•Supports sustainable fisheries
•Guides conservation efforts
•Helps improve aquaculture
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• Studying fish biology helps scientists and managers develop
sustainable fishing practices, protecting fish stocks for future
generations.
• Knowledge of fish anatomy, reproduction, and ecology guides
conservation and habitat protection measures to preserve
aquatic biodiversity.
• Understanding fish growth, feeding, and health is also essential
for aquaculture, improving production and food security.
• Overall, fish biology is vital for balancing human needs with
ecosystem health.
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Conclusion
•Fish are diverse and vital to ecosystems
•Adapted to many environments
•Protecting fish supports sustainable development
Thank you for listening 23
I’m happy to take any questions!
