<P> Many fish swim through water by creating undulations with their bodies or oscillating their fins . The undulations create components of forward thrust complemented by a rearward force , side forces which are wasted portions of energy , and a normal force that is between the forward thrust and side force . Different fish swim by undulating different parts of their bodies . Eel - shaped fish undulate their entire body in rhythmic sequences . Streamlined fish , such as salmon , undulate the caudal portions of their bodies . Some fish , such as sharks , use stiff , strong fins to create dynamic lift and propel themselves . It is common for fish to use more than one form of propulsion , although they will display one dominant mode of swimming Gait changes have even been observed in juvenile reef fish of various sizes . Depending on their needs , fish can rapidly alternate between synchronized fin beats and alternating fin beats </P>
<P> Many fish swim through water by creating undulations with their bodies or oscillating their fins . The undulations create components of forward thrust complemented by a rearward force , side forces which are wasted portions of energy , and a normal force that is between the forward thrust and side force . Different fish swim by undulating different parts of their bodies . Eel - shaped fish undulate their entire body in rhythmic sequences . Streamlined fish , such as salmon , undulate the caudal portions of their bodies . Some fish , such as sharks , use stiff , strong fins to create dynamic lift and propel themselves . It is common for fish to use more than one form of propulsion , although they will display one dominant mode of swimming Gait changes have even been observed in juvenile reef fish of various sizes . Depending on their needs , fish can rapidly alternate between synchronized fin beats and alternating fin beats </P>
what part of the fish is used to propel the fish through the water
what part of the fish is used to propel the fish through the water
their fins their bodies
their fins their bodies