Fish Skeletal Structure

Fish Skeletal Structure

For eating purposes, it would be much easier if fish did not have bones. Unfortunately, that is not the case as fish, just like any other vertebrate, need their bones for the following functions:

  • To protect vital organs
  • To support soft tissues - fascia, tendons, ligaments
  • To manufacture red blood cells
  • As a reservoir for minerals - calcium, phosphate
  • As attachments for muscles
  • For levers and pulleys for muscle torque

The pictures below show the parts of a fish and the skeletal structure. If you know the skeletal structure of a fish, it makes it easier for filleting (so that bones can be cut around or cut out on completion of filleting), and more pleasant for eating, so that you can pick around the bones and avoid getting a mouthful. However, every fish species is slightly different, so the pictures can only be used as a guide.

Fish Skeletal Structure

Other pages related to: