Overview83,000 Miles of river and streams4,000 lakes, reservoirs, and ponds

Pennsylvania Watersheds

What is a watershed?An area of land where all the surface area

and ground water drain to the same location. Even though appropriate habitat may be

present for aquatic species they may not be found in particular habitats because they simply do not live in that watershed

What makes a fish a fish?Ectothermic- regulate body temperature with

the outside temperature :aka: cold bloodedMost have bony backbone and skeleton and

are in the class OsteichthyesSome have a skeleton made of cartilage ie.

Sharks, lampreyFinsOxygen which is dissolved in the water is

breathed through gillsGills allow the release of waste gasses as well

Fish BiologySkin is protected and lubricated with mucous

glandsMost are covered in scales or boney platesExceptions: Catfish and Bullheads2 Chambered HeartNo EyelidsMost fish reproduce by laying eggs in the

water

Fish SpeciesIn Pennsylvania 160 species and 24 families

External Anatomy of the FishA fish’s external anatomy, suit it to its habitat

and feeding methods. Definite head portionLonger, wider, body sectionNarrow to the tailFlat cheek area behind the eye and a gill

cover called a operculum

Soft Rayed Fish Fins

Spiney- Rayed Fish

Fins and RaysFins are made up of rays Rays may be soft or spinySoft rayed fish typically have smooth scalesSpiny rayed fish typically have scales with

small teeth which make them feel rough

Internal AnatomyMost have an internal air filled sac called an

air bladderHelps the fish maintain its water position and

provide it with neutral buoyancyHelps to intensify sound, thus aids in hearing

GillsTake in oxygen and release waste gassesConsist of blood filled filaments with lamelleLamelle are covered with a single layer of cells

and have a large network of blood vessels. This is where the gas exchange takes place

Fish open their mouth and gill cover to allow water to pass over the gills

One way trip no breathing in and outCold water= more oxygen dissolved= more

oxygen

Fish MovementFins are fine adjustment, steering, stoppingMuscles are what propels the fish through

the waterFish push against the water side to sideFish with air bladders move easiest up and

downFish without air bladders have to dart place

to place along the bottom