NATR 252 - Ichthyology Prof. Snyder
Identification of Fish to Family
1. Basic ID:
a. Generally observe your fish's overall appearance.
--Do you notice anything particularly unique?
b. What type of caudal fin does it have?
c. What type of scales does it have?
d. What is the lateral line scale count?
e. How are the fins placed on the body?
f. Does the fish have spiny-rays?
g. Write the dorsal fin formula.
h. Does the fish have an adipose fin?
i. What sort of mouth does the fish have?
--Which position is the mouth?
--Is the mouth protractile?
--Does the fish have teeth?
--Does the fish have any barbels? How many? Where?
j. Describe the fish's gillrakers.
2. Key your fish to Family. List the couplets you followed to make your determination.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________