How does a fish operate? · Propulsion

As anglers we are usually concerned with the strength and the speed of a fish (propulsion). Huge advantage over land-based animals as the medium (water) supports most of their body weight, allowing their muscles to be used for propulsion and manoeuvring.

Pelagic(free-swimming) hunters (tuna, marlin) have intense reserves of stamina and the body shape to convert energy into speed very efficiently. Short range ambush fish (flathead, bass) don't need to cover vast distance, but require rapid acceleration and considerable pace over a couple of meters.

Most species of fish rely on body and tail movements for propulsion, few use the undulations of other fins (only the very stiffest of fish like tuna propel themselves with rapid tail strokes)

How does a fish operate? · Buoyancy