Measuring Up: The Relationship Between Pectoral Fin Morphology and Body Size in the Bluebanded Goby
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Devaleena Pradhan, Idaho State University; and Makenzie Reed, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-16-2026
Abstract
Fish display complex movement using their fins in behaviors such as parental care, aggression, and swimming. In the bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, males engage in parental care behaviors that consist of fanning and rubbing. During these behaviors, a fish moves its pectoral fins, the fins on the sides of the body, in complex patterns to facilitate the aeration of water over embryos. Despite the significant use of the pectoral fin in these behaviors, the detailed morphology of the L. dalli pectoral fins is not well understood. In this project we seek to better understand pectoral fin morphology by determining whether there is a relationship between the standard length of the fish and detailed morphological measurements of the pectoral fin. Using ImageJ, the length, width, and area of the pectoral fin in bluebanded gobies is being measured for fish across different sizes. Then, we will analyze the results to compare pectoral fin morphology across those fish. By conducting this morphological research, we can better understand the complex role pectoral morphology plays in the parental behaviors of the bluebanded goby.
Measuring Up: The Relationship Between Pectoral Fin Morphology and Body Size in the Bluebanded Goby
Fish display complex movement using their fins in behaviors such as parental care, aggression, and swimming. In the bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, males engage in parental care behaviors that consist of fanning and rubbing. During these behaviors, a fish moves its pectoral fins, the fins on the sides of the body, in complex patterns to facilitate the aeration of water over embryos. Despite the significant use of the pectoral fin in these behaviors, the detailed morphology of the L. dalli pectoral fins is not well understood. In this project we seek to better understand pectoral fin morphology by determining whether there is a relationship between the standard length of the fish and detailed morphological measurements of the pectoral fin. Using ImageJ, the length, width, and area of the pectoral fin in bluebanded gobies is being measured for fish across different sizes. Then, we will analyze the results to compare pectoral fin morphology across those fish. By conducting this morphological research, we can better understand the complex role pectoral morphology plays in the parental behaviors of the bluebanded goby.