Abstract
The kinematics of steady forward swimming of Gymnarchus niloticus are described. The geometric features of the body and locomotive characteristic and parameters of the flexible dorsal fin are discussed. A simplified kinematic model on locomotion of the undulatory long dorsal fin propulsion is based on the the observation and experimental data. The hy-dromechanical performances of the undulatory long dorsal fin propeller of Gymnarchus niloticus are estimated applying the large-amplitude elongated-body theory. The hydromechanical efficiency of the undulatory long dorsal fin system ranged from 82.284% to 87.455% over a speed rang of 0.728-0.985 lengthes· s-1. It is suggested that the undulatory long dorsal fin propulsion is an adaptation to swimming with high hydromechanical efficiency.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
