Information on Fin Shape and Function

[Rogue Siren]

http://www.mbari.org/earth/mar_tech/EITS/ob_deep/od_back.html

I know we can't exactly move the extra fins ourselves, but I think this could be useful. If not useful than informative.

I know it is helping me design my tail and fluke shape. :)

(Sorry if something similar has been posted before.)

[sashiyoop]

This is actually really cool. Thanks for posting this!

[Ashton]

Super Snazzy!

[Theobromine]

This is why whenever anyone talks about fluke shapes I secretly want to scream CAUDAL FIN :)

[Mermaid Sparkle]

This is why whenever anyone talks about fluke shapes I secretly want to scream CAUDAL FIN :)

I think we call them flukes because they are horizontal, like on whales and dolphins and other sea mammals. They're called flukes on whales.

[Theobromine]

I know, plus it's quicker to say and type. But despite the positioning, they're still based on fish tails, not mammal tails, hence why it makes more sense to me to call them caudal fins. But I'm a zoologist and also pedantic.

[MerEmma]

Really? I feel like most flukes (that have the tips pointing inward) tend to be more like flukes than caudal fins.

[Theobromine]

My point wasn't about the shape...just the fact that they look like fish tails....you know, with the fish scales and fin rays and everything. :P

[Theobromine]

Especially if we're posting information about fish biology to make it more realistic.

But seriously guys, it was mostly a joke. Yeah I want to scream caudal fin, but I normally don't!

[sashiyoop]

I guess you could call it whatever you like, based on what you think mers look like. I personally call it a caudal fin, but I also prefer the extra fins.

[Theobromine]

Well yeah, I'm into ichthyology and I love applying biological principles to make fantasy creatures like mermaids look more believable. I think it's fun.

[Rogue Siren]

And real life fin shapes can help you learn which shape works best. What's strongest/fastest, etc. :)

[Theobromine]

Exactly! I've spent a LOT of time watching fishes, both in a lot of my jobs and on my own time (aquarium hobbyist). This is also why I prefer stiffer fins/monofins to the floppy flowy look, because that's just not very realistic...fishes need caudal fins that propel them quickly and efficiently. There are a few obvious exceptions, like the male Siamese fighting fish (betta), but these are actually specifically bred for showiness by human breeders...in the wild, the males don't actually have such long flowy fins, they're just colorful!

[Prince Calypso]

I have a question.. well two actually
if a mermaid were a predatory swimmer (like the mermaids in POTC) would the tail-fin be fork or crescent shaped.
also which term is best when talking about a mermaid's flipper. Tail-fin, Fluke, Flipper or what? or does it depend on how fish like to how mammalian the mermaid is?

[Mermaid Lorelei]

If you want to be scientific (as much as you can when talking about fantasy), then a mermaid's fin would be known as either a fluke or caudal fin. Fish - caudal fin. Mammal - fluke. It basically depends on the species of the mermaid. Flippers are also used when talking about mammals, but in reference to their 'arms'. They are known as pectoral fins on a fish.
:>

Also, Cyanea, you make me smile. Ichthyologists for the win!

[Theobromine]

:) Well, that was a perfect explanation!

[Mermaid Lorelei]

:D

[Echidna]

While interesting, you cannot equate fish tailfins to mermaid flukes.
The locomotion and movement is totally different.

If you cut a fast monofin (which will probably be triangular shaped or round) into a forked shape, you'd not be fast, but lose almost all your propulsion.

Swimming-dynamics-wise, mermaids do have flukes (horizontal), monofins are definitely not comparable to vertical caudal fins.
It's nice as inspiration for new forms and shapes of tails though.

[PearlieMae]

I know, plus it's quicker to say and type. But despite the positioning, they're still based on fish tails, not mammal tails, hence why it makes more sense to me to call them caudal fins. But I'm a zoologist and also pedantic.

Hahaha! You're cracking me up! :D It's mermaiding...if it were literal, we'd all have smooth dolphin tails with no scales, or floppy seal flippers and smooth fur, because we are air breathing mammals. Mermaiding is art. To quote The Big Chill "sometimes you have to let art flow over you."

:rollover:

[Mermaid Kalliope]

Haha that's a cool read! It's neat how certain things line up with what I designed for my mer. XD

Really goos reference sheet for ideas!