Fins
All fish have external appendages called fins. Fins allow fish to balance and steer while
swimming. Fins are either single along the centerline of the fish like the dorsal fin, anal fin, and
tail fin; or paired fins like the pectoral fins and pelvic fins.
The dorsal fin helps in steering but its main function is protection, with some species having
a very sharp, spiny dorsal fin. Pectoral fins help fish balance and turn. The pelvic fin and anal
fin are located on the belly and help with steering as well as balance. The tail fin, also called the
caudal fin helps propel a fish forward.