Highly effective swimming: fish

1 of 1 Giant grouper / Diliff / License

Fish have effective maneuverability, braking, stability and thrust thanks to multiple fins.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Move >
	In/on liquids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Design applications to reduce pitching and rolling in passenger and commercial ships, safety features for passenger ships and ferries.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"By flexing the pectoral and caudal fins the fish can turn up, down, or sideways. The pectoral fins are also used as brakes, being pushed forwards like the flaps on an aircraft wing. The positions of the paired fins, especially the pelvic fins, are constantly adjusted to keep the fish from pitching or rolling: the pectorals tend to produce lift, which is counteracted by the downward thrust of the pelvics." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:186)

About the inspiring organism

Chordata
Chordata

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Design applications to reduce pitching and rolling in passenger and commercial ships, safety features for passenger ships and ferries.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Transportation, shipping

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

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Comments

Thanks to Duarte Miguel Prazeres for finding and uploading this photo.

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