pectoral fin

views updated Jun 08 2018

pectoral fin In fish, one of the pair of fins that are situated one on each side of the fish just behind the gills (‘breast fins’). Normally they are used for balancing and braking, but in some species (e.g. Exocoetidae, flying fish) the extra-large fins are used for jumping and for gliding over the water surface.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

pectoral fins

views updated May 18 2018

pectoral fins See fins.

A Dictionary of Biology

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pectoral fin

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