Effect of caudal fin height on swimming kinematics in the mackerel Scomber scombrus L.

Abstract

Geometry of the caudal fin of the mackerel Scomber scombrus was modified to examine the effect of the height of the fin on swimming kinematics. Mackerel with reduced caudal fin height had significantly shorter stride length and higher tail beat amplitude compared with the control having an intact caudal fin (P < 0.005). © 2005 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.