Rintaevät

Rintaevät is a Finnish term that translates to "chest fins" and refers to the pectoral fins of fish. These fins are paired appendages located on each side of the fish, typically just behind the gill covers. Their primary function is to provide stability and maneuverability during swimming. Rintaevät are crucial for actions such as braking, turning, and even moving backward. In some species, they also play a role in social displays, courtship, and even helping the fish move along the seabed. The size and shape of rintaevät can vary significantly among different fish species, reflecting adaptations to their specific environments and swimming styles. For example, fish that are agile swimmers often have larger and more developed pectoral fins. Some fish, like certain bottom-dwellers, may use their rintaevät to "walk" or push themselves along the substrate. The bony rays that support the rintaevät are homologous to the limbs of terrestrial vertebrates, a significant point in evolutionary biology.