Fig. 6. Posterior view of the digitized edge of the caudal fin as it beats from right to left (arrow) for one representative fish across three swimming speeds. The lateral displacement and configuration of the tail change dramatically as swimming speed increases. At the lowest speed, the dorsal lobe of the tail leads the ventral lobe. At higher speeds, the procurrent and middle rays of the caudal fin lead the tail as it sweeps to one side, causing the tail blade to adopt a `W' conformation.

Return to article