What characteristic defines the composition of the walleye's front dorsal fin?
Answer
It is composed of strong, sharp spines providing a defensive barrier.
The walleye, belonging to the perch family (Percidae), possesses two distinct dorsal fins. The anterior of these two fins is structurally fortified and composed of strong, sharp spines. This rigid, spiny composition serves a vital protective function, acting as a physical deterrent or defensive barrier against potential predators attempting to attack the fish from above or the side. Immediately following this protective spiny fin is the second dorsal fin, which is softer and composed of rays, serving different functions related more to lift and direction control rather than direct defense.
Related Questions
What structure within the walleye eye reflects incoming light across the retina?What is the characteristic dark marking reliably used to identify a walleye over a sauger?What does the walleye's streamlined, torpedo-like physique primarily facilitate?How does the coloration of a walleye inhabiting turbid rivers contrast with one from clear water lakes?What characteristic defines the composition of the walleye's front dorsal fin?What is the scientific name for the walleye predator?What is the primary function of the walleye's pronounced, canine-like teeth?How do walleye inhabiting clear water systems usually display their primary coloration?In comparison to *Sander vitreus*, how is the body profile of the sauger (*Sander canadensis*) generally characterized?What sensory equipment runs along the lateral line of the walleye?