Linked from

The 38 pages that link to Dorsal fin, each with the reason it gives.

• Pectoral finCompared with: Unlike the paired pectoral fins, it usually stabilizes the body rather than steering by bilateral movement.

• AnglerfishRelated: The anglerfish lure evolved from a spine in this fin.

• IchthyosauriaBroader topic: Many ichthyosaurs had a dorsal fin that helped stabilize their streamlined bodies.

• OrcaBroader topic: The tall dorsal fin is a conspicuous feature used to recognize orcas at the surface.

• Paired finsCompared with: Its unpaired midline position distinguishes it from bilateral appendages.

• IlliciumNarrower topic: The illicium develops from the first spine of the dorsal fin.

• EscaNarrower topic: The illicium and esca derive from a modified dorsal-fin ray.

• Fish finBroader topic: Its position makes it especially useful for resisting rolling and stabilizing turns.

• StonefishRelated: Stonefish dorsal spines are modified fin elements that puncture predators or people.

• AcanthomorphaRelated: Changes in dorsal-fin structure distinguish many acanthomorph lineages.

• Nurse sharkRelated: The nurse shark’s two dorsal fins sit far back on its body.

• ScorpaenidaeRelated: Prominent dorsal-fin spines are characteristic of many scorpaenids.

• Three-spined sticklebackRelated: Its three conspicuous spines stand immediately in front of the dorsal fin.

• Adipose finRelated: The adipose fin sits behind this larger, ray-supported fin.

• FrogfishRelated: Frogfish modified the foremost dorsal-fin spine into a lure-supporting structure.

• Risso’s dolphinRelated: Its tall, curved dorsal fin is a useful field identification feature.

• European perchBroader topic: The perch's first dorsal fin has strong spines that distinguish its silhouette.

• BowfinRelated: The bowfin’s unusually long dorsal fin is a defining feature.

• Mahi-mahiRelated: The mahi-mahi’s long dorsal fin extends along much of its back, a defining feature.

• Ocean sunfishRelated: The tall dorsal fin is a defining feature of the sunfish’s silhouette.

• RabbitfishRelated: Rabbitfish dorsal spines can deliver venomous puncture wounds.

• BichirNarrower topic: Bichirs divide the dorsal fin into a distinctive series of finlets.

• Cow sharkRelated: A single dorsal fin is another feature shared by hexanchid sharks.

• Cusk-eelRelated: Its length, together with the anal fin, helps give cusk-eels their characteristic outline.

• Giant oarfishRelated: The giant oarfish's long red dorsal fin extends along nearly its entire body.

• Right whaleCompared with: Right whales lack the dorsal fin common in many other cetaceans.

• SticklebackRelated: Stickleback spines are modified fin rays positioned ahead of the dorsal fin.

• Animal finBroader topic: The dorsal fin often resists rolling and may also aid display.

• Bullhead sharkRelated: Bullhead sharks have two dorsal fins, each preceded by a spine.

• FilefishBroader topic: The first dorsal spine is the distinctive structure that can lock upright.

• Finless porpoiseCompared with: The finless porpoise lacks a projecting fin, relying instead on a low dorsal ridge.

• GoosefishRelated: The goosefish’s lure originates from a modified spine at the front of this fin.

• Harbour porpoiseRelated: Its low, triangular dorsal fin helps distinguish the harbour porpoise from many dolphins.

• LancetfishRelated: Its unusually tall, blade-like dorsal fin is the lancetfish's most distinctive feature.

• Moorish idolBroader topic: The Moorish idol's conspicuous streamer is an extended part of this fin.

• Right whale dolphinRelated: Its absence is the genus's defining external feature.

• StethacanthusNarrower topic: The genus is especially recognized by the unusual form of its dorsal fin.

• WeeverRelated: Weever dorsal fins bear venomous spines.