Can fish swim backwards?

Water Animals

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by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Look out behind you! Although most fish don’t usually swim backwards, there are some kinds that can if they want to!

One of the main ways fish move around in the water is by using their fins, which help to propel them and steer. Fish have different types of fins in different places on their bodies, such as paired fins on either side, a dorsal fin on the back, and a tail (or “caudal”) fin at the fish’s end. Along with their fins, many fish also use a special, squirmy, S-like movement (called “undulation”) to push themselves through the water!

Just as they can move themselves forward through the water, many fish can also reverse their movements to go backwards if they want to! The fish most commonly known for being able to move backwards are different kinds of eels! – COOL!

Swimming around!

The next time you're in a swimming pool, consider what it would be like to swim backwards. Think about how well your arms and legs help you with pushing forwards. Do you see that it would be difficult for you to “swim backwards”? How do you think this is the same or different than a fish trying to swim backwards?? – Remember that even if you're pretending to be a fish, following Swimming Pool Safety is always a must. Be sure to tell the grown-up you are with before you try out any new fish-like strokes!