Fish Anatomy  Black Bass Anatomy Is That Of A Top Predator  The
fish anatomy of largemouth and smallmouth bass is the physical
structure of a top freshwater predator. Strong, fast and
equipped with all tools necessary to capture its prey.  External
Anatomy  Fins are used by fish to move through the water but
also to steer, stop and maintain their position, the latter in
conjunction with the swim bladder. Two fins, the dorsal and
anal, are the primary appendages that prevent the fish from
rolling over on its side. The "tail", the biological name being
caudal fin, is the main thruster for propulsion while the paired
fins assist in steering, stopping and hovering in position.
Gills are used for breathing, not the nose (nares). As water
passes through the mouth and then over the gills, which are
highly vascularized and thus very red in appearance, oxygen is
extracted before being expelled out the rear gill area along
with carbon dioxide. The gills are covered with gill plates
which function to "pump" water acros