The document provides an interactive flowchart key to identify different types of fish based on their physical characteristics and features. It asks a series of yes or no questions about the animal's body shape, fins, size, coloration, and other attributes to determine the specific fish. It also includes brief descriptions of different fish species like seahorses, pipefish, puffers, gobies, and flounder. Additionally, it provides background information on fish in general, defining them as cold-blooded aquatic animals that live in bodies of water worldwide and are an important part of marine ecosystems.

1. Does the animal look fish-like?
No
LinedSeahorse
(Hippocampuserectus)
Is the body tube-like?
No
Yes
Is it fat with a larger head
and a smaller tail fin?
DuskyPipefish
(Syngnathusfloridae)
Pinfish
(Lagodonrhomboides)
Yes
Does it have spots?
SouthernPuffer
(Sphoeroidesnephelus)
No
Does it rest (on the bottom)
on its pectoral fins?
YesNo
Does it have large
wing-like pectoral fins?
Does it lay flat
like a pancake?
Yes
CodeGoby
(Gobiosomarobustum)
SeaRobin
(Prionotustribulus)
Yes
Is it less than 1 inch long?
No Yes
Yes No
No
YesDescribe the colors:
No
Is the head rounded
or pointed?
Yellow and
blue stripes
Silver rounded pointed
Start here!
PygmySeashorse
(Hippocampuszosterae)
StripedBurrfish
(Chilomycterusschoepfi)
TongueFish
(Symphuruscivitatium)
Flounder
(Paralichthysalbigutta)
Silverside
(Menidiaconchorum)
GulfToadfish
(Opsanusbeta)
Phylum: Fish
What are fish?
All fish live in the water and breathe using special organs called gills. Fish are very diverse. Sharks, rays, seahorses, and eels are all types of fish. They are cold-blooded, which means that their
body temperature changes with the surrounding water. They can be found all over the world in ponds, lakes, streams, and oceans. The fish that you will find dipnetting the bay are marine fish,
which means that they live in salt water. Fish are a very important part of the ecosystem, providing food for other water-dwelling creatures, and humans too.
pectoral fin
dorsal fin
tail fin
Does it have a wide,
frog-like mouth?
Yes No