What does each fin on a dolphins body do?
The fin in the center of the back is called the dorsal fin. It is used as a stabilizer; it keeps the dolphin upright, straight and balanced when it swims through the water. The dorsal fin is also the dolphins fingerprint. There are no two dorsal fins that are identical. Each has its own unique shape, height, thickness, and notches. Scientists utilize the appearance of dorsal fins to identify individuals in the wild. The fins on each side of its body are called the pectoral fins. They are used to stop and steer the dolphin. If you took an x ray of them they would look like our own human hand, with five digits inside. The tail fin is also called its flukes. They are called flukes because there is a notch in the center that separates the right from the left side. A dolphin can lift 80% of its body out of the water by using its tail flukes, however the tail itself has no muscles in it. All of the muscles form at the base of the tail, called their peduncle. The tail is made up of cartilage.
