Post on 04-Feb-2022
transcript
Education
Fish Fun
`
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Grade Level
3-5
Timeframe
4 - 5 Hours
Materials
Dry erase board and markers or substitute display Student PackScience Journals (1 per student) Fish pictures (1 each) Cut-outs of sea creature weather and ocean pictures (variety) Tweezers (3) Racquetball (3) Kitchen tongsPencils (1 per student) Plastic tubs with lids-12 qt size is good (3) Uncooked ricOil based modeling clay 2cm fishing bobber (12) 5cm fishing bobber (12) Paper towels Water FGBNMS Critter Collage (1 per student) Tape or magnets
e
ets andor
(3)
Photo Joyce and Frank BurekActivity Summary
In this lesson students will learn about three different types of mouths and eating styles in fish They will also learn about the relationship between a fishrsquos mouth and its eating style There are four fun activities in this lesson to teach students about form and function
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to
Defunction among fish in reference style and food choice (diet) Defit into the larger concepts Derepres
m
m
m
onstrate an understanding of how
onstrate an understanding of th
onstrate an understanding of ment elements of real life as
of food webs and ecosystem
to mouth size shape feeding
well as the limo
e relationship between form and
dels and how they are used to
different fish feeding styles
itations of m
s
odels
Background Information Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) is a system of coral reefs found in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico It is home to many animals including over 200 species of fish But is a fish simply a fish Are all fish alike Of course not There are many similarities among fish but there are also many differences
httpflowergardennoaagov
Photo by GP Schmahl
Letrsquos use fismouths are generally used for eating but they can be used in different ways Somand shape of a mThis relationship is knowfunction The size and shape of a mconsidered formconsidered function The forgreat imthe samam Somappearance it almfor a kiss Ta picking style and typically eat parasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mAs juveniles (youngsters) parasites and dead scales fromSpanish hog Other mclosed but open quite wide These fish swallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
ong fish the sam
e m
m
e N
ouths are tiny and have a puckered
ouths are shap
pacts on a fishrsquos lif and function of a fish m
hese fish nibble sm
h
fish are pick
o
m
way So are all feedin
ouths as an exam
and how the m
outh determ
o
outh Marbled groupers
e
st looks
Not a chance
ed
ers
like a frown
n in science as form
they pick off and eat
e Are all fish m
like they are waiting
ine how it is used
other fish So
e
all bits of food in
tim
outh is used is
ple Ani
outh can have
es
outh is
g styles
the size
when
m
outh
al
ouths
and
swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimStill other mouths open narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mthey pass by then hold onto themIf the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their tsmare snatchers Why are feeding styles so imWell they help determeat Somwhere fish are located on the food chain For examsmsmother fish that can eat ththat usgrouper can be eaten by a fibiting hto do this Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence wneeds to live close to its food source In summary we know that all fish are not the samfeeding styles (function) of fish and this can imchain and where it lives fish m
pact what a f
aller bite-size pieces So goldentail m
all food particles Pickerall This m
e Mouth shape and size (form
ple fish that us
p) whole So m
outh the sam
es a g
im
etim
T
out
into sm
h
u
h
h Goldentail
ere a fish lives After all a fish
es these traits can also
lper feedin
eans they can becom
e eel that u
ish eats
aller pieces W
e
e a picker feed
way again
a
eeth to cut d
rbled groupers are gulpers
ine what food a fish can
like a hinge and are
emg style In tu
ses a sna
its positionW
whole like a grouper
fish are also usually
m
sh that is capable of
ill you ever look at a
portant anyway
orays snatch fish as
with their teeth
htch
e
i
ich fish is ab
nn
ing style eat
food for
determ
er sty
rn the
in the f
er in
) relate to
orays
l
to
e can
ine
ood
le
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Key Words
Form Function Pickers Gulpers Snatchers Prey
httpflowergardennoaagov
Vocabulary
Form ndash The size and shape of a fishrsquos mouth Function ndash How a fishrsquos mouth is used Pickers ndash Fisby nibbling s
mh that have ti
all bits of food in a picking style ny puckered mouths and eat
Gulpers ndash Fish that have mouths shaped like a frownwhen closed and swallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Snatchers ndash Fish that have narrow hinged mouths withsharp teeth and eat by grabbiteeth to tear food into smaller pieces if needed
ng their prey then using their
Preparation
Collect and prepare materials as noted in the Appendices
Print FGBNMS Critter Collages
Learning Procedure
Activity 1 ndash Engage Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
Place a pthe board and have students mobservations about the fish paying close attention to the mobservations on the board under the corresponding picture or have students comup to the bo
comfishes focusing on the animmmouths look at the models for the and note similarities comrepresents w
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mDry erase boScience journals andPencils
ake funny fish faces as they m
e
p
i
to a consensus of which tool
are and contrast pictures of dif
ctu
ard to lis
re of each fish (Appendix 1) on
hich fish
ard and m
ouths W
t their comm
and differences and
odels
or student packets arkers
rite these
Explore
a
alsrsquo m
ke
ents
odel fish out
activ
ferent hs
ity
e
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Use prom
Discuss with the studthat each fish uses and list these under each picture Show video clips if available
Lead the stuthat represent each fish its mfeeding style Be creative and have fun Distribute mhave students examdiscussion about each mbe used to represent a fish mthese mHave the class comfish mabout which tool represon the simeach fish are as follows
determtheir own Add the correct mon the board Have students copy the inforboard inStudent Sheet 1 fromIf possible keep the informforSm
martboard) for the duration of this lesson
abc
at (ie on board poster chart or
outh As a class com
inatio
Spanish hogfish ndash picker Marbled grouper ndash gulper Goldentail moray eel ndash snatcher
Spanish hogfish ndash tweezers Marbled grouper ndash racquet ball Goldentail moray eel ndash kitchen tongs
odels sim
to th
pting to lead students to these
ilarities The corre
dents in m
outh m
ns if
eir sc
they
ilar H
odel for each fish to the list
ienc
p
odels (Appendix 2) and ine them
are each m
ents the feeding
do not get there on
e t
a
ents which fish based
king funny fish faces
he Student Pjournals or com
o
odel and how it could
w are they different
e
ation in a visible
Have a
outh How are
to a consensus
m
outh and its
ct m
ation from
odel with each
odels for
acket
style
plete the
Activity 2 ndash Explore
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
NOTEAdd water beforehand then add the food mwhen the activity begins It helps to experimwith this activity bitrsquos a nice day take thm
1
2
3
4
5
6
ini
Start with a review of each fish its fstyle and the mrepresBriefly discuss the food models and what they repGive a short version of instructions and expected bGroup students and assigfirst feeding station Have students individually predict wmouth mcollecting the food atGive students timmodels at their statifood they may place it opaper towel Students mto collect as much food anot use the sidesbottomor a scooping m
m
ize clean-up
explore the roles that mshape play in feeding styles and food choice and docum
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 3 food mAppendix 4 stations Paper towels WatScience journals andPencils
Prepare feeding
ent it
e
r
odel will b
esent
r
ent their findings
e
havior for th
ef
odel that was selected to
o
o
tion If students try these
e to try out all m
re e a
e the most ef
on As students collect
stations ahead of tim
having students do it If c
their station
tiv
odels
a
of container hands
e activity
ity outside to
n
s
odels
n each grou
or student packets
y use repeated dips possible but m
the tub lid or a
outh size and
fective at
out
eeding
p to its
hich
h
odels e
a
nt
e
y
7
89
ldquoillegalrdquo mtesting how a fish would eat and fish canrsquot use hands to catch food or someffect After every student has tried each of the mouth mstudents record their observations and rankings for each tooRotate groups to their next station Repeat this process unbeen to all three stations and tried all three models recording their data along the way
odels at hisher station have the
ethods rem
l on
til every student has
ind them
Student Sheet 2
that they are
ething to that
Activity 3 ndash Explain
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
2
3
Begin with a brief review of the previous ExploreHelp students analyze their data by asking themwas the mfiIn discussion have the students relate the data thand the types of food that can be eaten by fish Make sure they relate the mactivity to real-Corresponding fish and food are as f
sh
analyze and attemfindings explain howwhat food can be eaten by fish discuss how the mdifferent from real life and discuss the benefits of using m
Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 5 reading passage Science journals andor student packets Pencils
Spanish hogfish ndash parasites and algae Marbled grouper ndash sm
rdquo
questions such as ldquo
ey collected with mouth size a
ac
o
tivity
st effective at collecting large
life fish and food
m
outh size and shape impact
p
odels are sim
t to in
odels
W
all fish
hich feeding style
terpr
odels in the
et their
odels
ilar to and
ollows
nd shape
httpflowergardennoaagov
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Models are not always an accurate representation If results fromactivrelationships discuss and identify possible reasons why with the students Have studenpredictions How did they do Ask students to add the fishrsquos food to Student Sheet 1 from the Have students read and 3 (samthis lesson plan) Have the students discuss and explain how the mreal life How well did the mfish mrepresHave students discuss the benefits ofmodels Have students com
Goldentail e
ity do n
odels were sim
ent feeding sty
ouths
e inform
t
o
How well did the m
s com
t accu
el ndash la
ation as the
Engage
p
p
rately reflect these
are the results with their
lete
ilar to and different from
les
rge an
d
Student Sheet 4
iscuss Stud activity
d sm
Introduction
odels represent
the
all f
odels
Explore
ent Sheet
using
ish
in
Activity 4 ndash Elaborate Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
extend their understandiother anbrainstormsize and shape manimweb and participathat featuwhere they can be found based on what they eat
FGBNMpictures of fish Cut-outs of fish sea creatures weather ocean features etcDry erase boTape or m
als live or where they fit in a food
im
t
S
re in a class sto
es
agnets
Critter Collage or other
als in the o possible effects that m
fish what they eat and
ard and m
ay have
cean
arkers
r
ng of this topic to
yte
on where
lling activity
outh
httpflowergardennoaagov
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
Begin with a brief review of the previous activShow students pictures them(Suggestions Flower GMarine SanhttpflowergardennomlhttpflowergardennoaagovdocumryeddocumAsk students to comnew fishes to those of the fishes represented in earlier activities Haveyou in grouping the new fish with the previous fish based on mouth shape and suspected feeding styDiscuss the results Ask students to brainstormeffects of mouth size and shape How does this affect ththey livefood chainof mfunction play into the down their thoughts on the board Have students copy the results of the brainstormjournals or oExplain to students thwhat they have learned to tell a group story Give instructions and behavioral expectations fthe styStudents will have mchoose from including fish coral crustaceans ocean weather etc characlearn about ecosystem
o
r the story
or the Critter Collage
Science journals andor student packets Pencils
You ma student Each student should contribute at least
outh shape and size
ities
to m
ter
le of ldquopass-the-s
D
s u
a
a
ing session into their science
ke observations about these fish
c
y start the story
How far reaching are the effects
entshtm
sed toge
o
t
eir d
n
tuary f
elling ac
es it af
a piece of paper
iet Do
ish sp
f
ther will he
pl
ect their positio
ultiple characters to
)
l
tiv
are the m
at they will no
ldquobig picturerdquo W
es
s
aagovaboutfishlistht
tory
of other fish and ask
a
ity This ac
es it affect where
rden Banks National ecies lis
the students direct
at
How does for
the possible
and then pass it to
ouths of the
lp stu
t at
These
tivity is in
w use
n in the
e
d
nt_libra
ents
mrite
and
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Photo by GP Schmahl
Letrsquos use fismouths are generally used for eating but they can be used in different ways Somand shape of a mThis relationship is knowfunction The size and shape of a mconsidered formconsidered function The forgreat imthe samam Somappearance it almfor a kiss Ta picking style and typically eat parasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mAs juveniles (youngsters) parasites and dead scales fromSpanish hog Other mclosed but open quite wide These fish swallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
ong fish the sam
e m
m
e N
ouths are tiny and have a puckered
ouths are shap
pacts on a fishrsquos lif and function of a fish m
hese fish nibble sm
h
fish are pick
o
m
way So are all feedin
ouths as an exam
and how the m
outh determ
o
outh Marbled groupers
e
st looks
Not a chance
ed
ers
like a frown
n in science as form
they pick off and eat
e Are all fish m
like they are waiting
ine how it is used
other fish So
e
all bits of food in
tim
outh is used is
ple Ani
outh can have
es
outh is
g styles
the size
when
m
outh
al
ouths
and
swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimStill other mouths open narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mthey pass by then hold onto themIf the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their tsmare snatchers Why are feeding styles so imWell they help determeat Somwhere fish are located on the food chain For examsmsmother fish that can eat ththat usgrouper can be eaten by a fibiting hto do this Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence wneeds to live close to its food source In summary we know that all fish are not the samfeeding styles (function) of fish and this can imchain and where it lives fish m
pact what a f
aller bite-size pieces So goldentail m
all food particles Pickerall This m
e Mouth shape and size (form
ple fish that us
p) whole So m
outh the sam
es a g
im
etim
T
out
into sm
h
u
h
h Goldentail
ere a fish lives After all a fish
es these traits can also
lper feedin
eans they can becom
e eel that u
ish eats
aller pieces W
e
e a picker feed
way again
a
eeth to cut d
rbled groupers are gulpers
ine what food a fish can
like a hinge and are
emg style In tu
ses a sna
its positionW
whole like a grouper
fish are also usually
m
sh that is capable of
ill you ever look at a
portant anyway
orays snatch fish as
with their teeth
htch
e
i
ich fish is ab
nn
ing style eat
food for
determ
er sty
rn the
in the f
er in
) relate to
orays
l
to
e can
ine
ood
le
httpflowergardennoaagov
Key Words
Form Function Pickers Gulpers Snatchers Prey
httpflowergardennoaagov
Vocabulary
Form ndash The size and shape of a fishrsquos mouth Function ndash How a fishrsquos mouth is used Pickers ndash Fisby nibbling s
mh that have ti
all bits of food in a picking style ny puckered mouths and eat
Gulpers ndash Fish that have mouths shaped like a frownwhen closed and swallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Snatchers ndash Fish that have narrow hinged mouths withsharp teeth and eat by grabbiteeth to tear food into smaller pieces if needed
ng their prey then using their
Preparation
Collect and prepare materials as noted in the Appendices
Print FGBNMS Critter Collages
Learning Procedure
Activity 1 ndash Engage Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
Place a pthe board and have students mobservations about the fish paying close attention to the mobservations on the board under the corresponding picture or have students comup to the bo
comfishes focusing on the animmmouths look at the models for the and note similarities comrepresents w
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mDry erase boScience journals andPencils
ake funny fish faces as they m
e
p
i
to a consensus of which tool
are and contrast pictures of dif
ctu
ard to lis
re of each fish (Appendix 1) on
hich fish
ard and m
ouths W
t their comm
and differences and
odels
or student packets arkers
rite these
Explore
a
alsrsquo m
ke
ents
odel fish out
activ
ferent hs
ity
e
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Use prom
Discuss with the studthat each fish uses and list these under each picture Show video clips if available
Lead the stuthat represent each fish its mfeeding style Be creative and have fun Distribute mhave students examdiscussion about each mbe used to represent a fish mthese mHave the class comfish mabout which tool represon the simeach fish are as follows
determtheir own Add the correct mon the board Have students copy the inforboard inStudent Sheet 1 fromIf possible keep the informforSm
martboard) for the duration of this lesson
abc
at (ie on board poster chart or
outh As a class com
inatio
Spanish hogfish ndash picker Marbled grouper ndash gulper Goldentail moray eel ndash snatcher
Spanish hogfish ndash tweezers Marbled grouper ndash racquet ball Goldentail moray eel ndash kitchen tongs
odels sim
to th
pting to lead students to these
ilarities The corre
dents in m
outh m
ns if
eir sc
they
ilar H
odel for each fish to the list
ienc
p
odels (Appendix 2) and ine them
are each m
ents the feeding
do not get there on
e t
a
ents which fish based
king funny fish faces
he Student Pjournals or com
o
odel and how it could
w are they different
e
ation in a visible
Have a
outh How are
to a consensus
m
outh and its
ct m
ation from
odel with each
odels for
acket
style
plete the
Activity 2 ndash Explore
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
NOTEAdd water beforehand then add the food mwhen the activity begins It helps to experimwith this activity bitrsquos a nice day take thm
1
2
3
4
5
6
ini
Start with a review of each fish its fstyle and the mrepresBriefly discuss the food models and what they repGive a short version of instructions and expected bGroup students and assigfirst feeding station Have students individually predict wmouth mcollecting the food atGive students timmodels at their statifood they may place it opaper towel Students mto collect as much food anot use the sidesbottomor a scooping m
m
ize clean-up
explore the roles that mshape play in feeding styles and food choice and docum
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 3 food mAppendix 4 stations Paper towels WatScience journals andPencils
Prepare feeding
ent it
e
r
odel will b
esent
r
ent their findings
e
havior for th
ef
odel that was selected to
o
o
tion If students try these
e to try out all m
re e a
e the most ef
on As students collect
stations ahead of tim
having students do it If c
their station
tiv
odels
a
of container hands
e activity
ity outside to
n
s
odels
n each grou
or student packets
y use repeated dips possible but m
the tub lid or a
outh size and
fective at
out
eeding
p to its
hich
h
odels e
a
nt
e
y
7
89
ldquoillegalrdquo mtesting how a fish would eat and fish canrsquot use hands to catch food or someffect After every student has tried each of the mouth mstudents record their observations and rankings for each tooRotate groups to their next station Repeat this process unbeen to all three stations and tried all three models recording their data along the way
odels at hisher station have the
ethods rem
l on
til every student has
ind them
Student Sheet 2
that they are
ething to that
Activity 3 ndash Explain
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
2
3
Begin with a brief review of the previous ExploreHelp students analyze their data by asking themwas the mfiIn discussion have the students relate the data thand the types of food that can be eaten by fish Make sure they relate the mactivity to real-Corresponding fish and food are as f
sh
analyze and attemfindings explain howwhat food can be eaten by fish discuss how the mdifferent from real life and discuss the benefits of using m
Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 5 reading passage Science journals andor student packets Pencils
Spanish hogfish ndash parasites and algae Marbled grouper ndash sm
rdquo
questions such as ldquo
ey collected with mouth size a
ac
o
tivity
st effective at collecting large
life fish and food
m
outh size and shape impact
p
odels are sim
t to in
odels
W
all fish
hich feeding style
terpr
odels in the
et their
odels
ilar to and
ollows
nd shape
httpflowergardennoaagov
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Models are not always an accurate representation If results fromactivrelationships discuss and identify possible reasons why with the students Have studenpredictions How did they do Ask students to add the fishrsquos food to Student Sheet 1 from the Have students read and 3 (samthis lesson plan) Have the students discuss and explain how the mreal life How well did the mfish mrepresHave students discuss the benefits ofmodels Have students com
Goldentail e
ity do n
odels were sim
ent feeding sty
ouths
e inform
t
o
How well did the m
s com
t accu
el ndash la
ation as the
Engage
p
p
rately reflect these
are the results with their
lete
ilar to and different from
les
rge an
d
Student Sheet 4
iscuss Stud activity
d sm
Introduction
odels represent
the
all f
odels
Explore
ent Sheet
using
ish
in
Activity 4 ndash Elaborate Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
extend their understandiother anbrainstormsize and shape manimweb and participathat featuwhere they can be found based on what they eat
FGBNMpictures of fish Cut-outs of fish sea creatures weather ocean features etcDry erase boTape or m
als live or where they fit in a food
im
t
S
re in a class sto
es
agnets
Critter Collage or other
als in the o possible effects that m
fish what they eat and
ard and m
ay have
cean
arkers
r
ng of this topic to
yte
on where
lling activity
outh
httpflowergardennoaagov
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
Begin with a brief review of the previous activShow students pictures them(Suggestions Flower GMarine SanhttpflowergardennomlhttpflowergardennoaagovdocumryeddocumAsk students to comnew fishes to those of the fishes represented in earlier activities Haveyou in grouping the new fish with the previous fish based on mouth shape and suspected feeding styDiscuss the results Ask students to brainstormeffects of mouth size and shape How does this affect ththey livefood chainof mfunction play into the down their thoughts on the board Have students copy the results of the brainstormjournals or oExplain to students thwhat they have learned to tell a group story Give instructions and behavioral expectations fthe styStudents will have mchoose from including fish coral crustaceans ocean weather etc characlearn about ecosystem
o
r the story
or the Critter Collage
Science journals andor student packets Pencils
You ma student Each student should contribute at least
outh shape and size
ities
to m
ter
le of ldquopass-the-s
D
s u
a
a
ing session into their science
ke observations about these fish
c
y start the story
How far reaching are the effects
entshtm
sed toge
o
t
eir d
n
tuary f
elling ac
es it af
a piece of paper
iet Do
ish sp
f
ther will he
pl
ect their positio
ultiple characters to
)
l
tiv
are the m
at they will no
ldquobig picturerdquo W
es
s
aagovaboutfishlistht
tory
of other fish and ask
a
ity This ac
es it affect where
rden Banks National ecies lis
the students direct
at
How does for
the possible
and then pass it to
ouths of the
lp stu
t at
These
tivity is in
w use
n in the
e
d
nt_libra
ents
mrite
and
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
httpflowergardennoaagov
Vocabulary
Form ndash The size and shape of a fishrsquos mouth Function ndash How a fishrsquos mouth is used Pickers ndash Fisby nibbling s
mh that have ti
all bits of food in a picking style ny puckered mouths and eat
Gulpers ndash Fish that have mouths shaped like a frownwhen closed and swallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Snatchers ndash Fish that have narrow hinged mouths withsharp teeth and eat by grabbiteeth to tear food into smaller pieces if needed
ng their prey then using their
Preparation
Collect and prepare materials as noted in the Appendices
Print FGBNMS Critter Collages
Learning Procedure
Activity 1 ndash Engage Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
Place a pthe board and have students mobservations about the fish paying close attention to the mobservations on the board under the corresponding picture or have students comup to the bo
comfishes focusing on the animmmouths look at the models for the and note similarities comrepresents w
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mDry erase boScience journals andPencils
ake funny fish faces as they m
e
p
i
to a consensus of which tool
are and contrast pictures of dif
ctu
ard to lis
re of each fish (Appendix 1) on
hich fish
ard and m
ouths W
t their comm
and differences and
odels
or student packets arkers
rite these
Explore
a
alsrsquo m
ke
ents
odel fish out
activ
ferent hs
ity
e
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Use prom
Discuss with the studthat each fish uses and list these under each picture Show video clips if available
Lead the stuthat represent each fish its mfeeding style Be creative and have fun Distribute mhave students examdiscussion about each mbe used to represent a fish mthese mHave the class comfish mabout which tool represon the simeach fish are as follows
determtheir own Add the correct mon the board Have students copy the inforboard inStudent Sheet 1 fromIf possible keep the informforSm
martboard) for the duration of this lesson
abc
at (ie on board poster chart or
outh As a class com
inatio
Spanish hogfish ndash picker Marbled grouper ndash gulper Goldentail moray eel ndash snatcher
Spanish hogfish ndash tweezers Marbled grouper ndash racquet ball Goldentail moray eel ndash kitchen tongs
odels sim
to th
pting to lead students to these
ilarities The corre
dents in m
outh m
ns if
eir sc
they
ilar H
odel for each fish to the list
ienc
p
odels (Appendix 2) and ine them
are each m
ents the feeding
do not get there on
e t
a
ents which fish based
king funny fish faces
he Student Pjournals or com
o
odel and how it could
w are they different
e
ation in a visible
Have a
outh How are
to a consensus
m
outh and its
ct m
ation from
odel with each
odels for
acket
style
plete the
Activity 2 ndash Explore
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
NOTEAdd water beforehand then add the food mwhen the activity begins It helps to experimwith this activity bitrsquos a nice day take thm
1
2
3
4
5
6
ini
Start with a review of each fish its fstyle and the mrepresBriefly discuss the food models and what they repGive a short version of instructions and expected bGroup students and assigfirst feeding station Have students individually predict wmouth mcollecting the food atGive students timmodels at their statifood they may place it opaper towel Students mto collect as much food anot use the sidesbottomor a scooping m
m
ize clean-up
explore the roles that mshape play in feeding styles and food choice and docum
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 3 food mAppendix 4 stations Paper towels WatScience journals andPencils
Prepare feeding
ent it
e
r
odel will b
esent
r
ent their findings
e
havior for th
ef
odel that was selected to
o
o
tion If students try these
e to try out all m
re e a
e the most ef
on As students collect
stations ahead of tim
having students do it If c
their station
tiv
odels
a
of container hands
e activity
ity outside to
n
s
odels
n each grou
or student packets
y use repeated dips possible but m
the tub lid or a
outh size and
fective at
out
eeding
p to its
hich
h
odels e
a
nt
e
y
7
89
ldquoillegalrdquo mtesting how a fish would eat and fish canrsquot use hands to catch food or someffect After every student has tried each of the mouth mstudents record their observations and rankings for each tooRotate groups to their next station Repeat this process unbeen to all three stations and tried all three models recording their data along the way
odels at hisher station have the
ethods rem
l on
til every student has
ind them
Student Sheet 2
that they are
ething to that
Activity 3 ndash Explain
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
2
3
Begin with a brief review of the previous ExploreHelp students analyze their data by asking themwas the mfiIn discussion have the students relate the data thand the types of food that can be eaten by fish Make sure they relate the mactivity to real-Corresponding fish and food are as f
sh
analyze and attemfindings explain howwhat food can be eaten by fish discuss how the mdifferent from real life and discuss the benefits of using m
Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 5 reading passage Science journals andor student packets Pencils
Spanish hogfish ndash parasites and algae Marbled grouper ndash sm
rdquo
questions such as ldquo
ey collected with mouth size a
ac
o
tivity
st effective at collecting large
life fish and food
m
outh size and shape impact
p
odels are sim
t to in
odels
W
all fish
hich feeding style
terpr
odels in the
et their
odels
ilar to and
ollows
nd shape
httpflowergardennoaagov
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Models are not always an accurate representation If results fromactivrelationships discuss and identify possible reasons why with the students Have studenpredictions How did they do Ask students to add the fishrsquos food to Student Sheet 1 from the Have students read and 3 (samthis lesson plan) Have the students discuss and explain how the mreal life How well did the mfish mrepresHave students discuss the benefits ofmodels Have students com
Goldentail e
ity do n
odels were sim
ent feeding sty
ouths
e inform
t
o
How well did the m
s com
t accu
el ndash la
ation as the
Engage
p
p
rately reflect these
are the results with their
lete
ilar to and different from
les
rge an
d
Student Sheet 4
iscuss Stud activity
d sm
Introduction
odels represent
the
all f
odels
Explore
ent Sheet
using
ish
in
Activity 4 ndash Elaborate Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
extend their understandiother anbrainstormsize and shape manimweb and participathat featuwhere they can be found based on what they eat
FGBNMpictures of fish Cut-outs of fish sea creatures weather ocean features etcDry erase boTape or m
als live or where they fit in a food
im
t
S
re in a class sto
es
agnets
Critter Collage or other
als in the o possible effects that m
fish what they eat and
ard and m
ay have
cean
arkers
r
ng of this topic to
yte
on where
lling activity
outh
httpflowergardennoaagov
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
Begin with a brief review of the previous activShow students pictures them(Suggestions Flower GMarine SanhttpflowergardennomlhttpflowergardennoaagovdocumryeddocumAsk students to comnew fishes to those of the fishes represented in earlier activities Haveyou in grouping the new fish with the previous fish based on mouth shape and suspected feeding styDiscuss the results Ask students to brainstormeffects of mouth size and shape How does this affect ththey livefood chainof mfunction play into the down their thoughts on the board Have students copy the results of the brainstormjournals or oExplain to students thwhat they have learned to tell a group story Give instructions and behavioral expectations fthe styStudents will have mchoose from including fish coral crustaceans ocean weather etc characlearn about ecosystem
o
r the story
or the Critter Collage
Science journals andor student packets Pencils
You ma student Each student should contribute at least
outh shape and size
ities
to m
ter
le of ldquopass-the-s
D
s u
a
a
ing session into their science
ke observations about these fish
c
y start the story
How far reaching are the effects
entshtm
sed toge
o
t
eir d
n
tuary f
elling ac
es it af
a piece of paper
iet Do
ish sp
f
ther will he
pl
ect their positio
ultiple characters to
)
l
tiv
are the m
at they will no
ldquobig picturerdquo W
es
s
aagovaboutfishlistht
tory
of other fish and ask
a
ity This ac
es it affect where
rden Banks National ecies lis
the students direct
at
How does for
the possible
and then pass it to
ouths of the
lp stu
t at
These
tivity is in
w use
n in the
e
d
nt_libra
ents
mrite
and
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Activity 2 ndash Explore
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
NOTEAdd water beforehand then add the food mwhen the activity begins It helps to experimwith this activity bitrsquos a nice day take thm
1
2
3
4
5
6
ini
Start with a review of each fish its fstyle and the mrepresBriefly discuss the food models and what they repGive a short version of instructions and expected bGroup students and assigfirst feeding station Have students individually predict wmouth mcollecting the food atGive students timmodels at their statifood they may place it opaper towel Students mto collect as much food anot use the sidesbottomor a scooping m
m
ize clean-up
explore the roles that mshape play in feeding styles and food choice and docum
Appendix 1 fish pictures Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 3 food mAppendix 4 stations Paper towels WatScience journals andPencils
Prepare feeding
ent it
e
r
odel will b
esent
r
ent their findings
e
havior for th
ef
odel that was selected to
o
o
tion If students try these
e to try out all m
re e a
e the most ef
on As students collect
stations ahead of tim
having students do it If c
their station
tiv
odels
a
of container hands
e activity
ity outside to
n
s
odels
n each grou
or student packets
y use repeated dips possible but m
the tub lid or a
outh size and
fective at
out
eeding
p to its
hich
h
odels e
a
nt
e
y
7
89
ldquoillegalrdquo mtesting how a fish would eat and fish canrsquot use hands to catch food or someffect After every student has tried each of the mouth mstudents record their observations and rankings for each tooRotate groups to their next station Repeat this process unbeen to all three stations and tried all three models recording their data along the way
odels at hisher station have the
ethods rem
l on
til every student has
ind them
Student Sheet 2
that they are
ething to that
Activity 3 ndash Explain
Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
1
2
3
Begin with a brief review of the previous ExploreHelp students analyze their data by asking themwas the mfiIn discussion have the students relate the data thand the types of food that can be eaten by fish Make sure they relate the mactivity to real-Corresponding fish and food are as f
sh
analyze and attemfindings explain howwhat food can be eaten by fish discuss how the mdifferent from real life and discuss the benefits of using m
Appendix 2 mouth mAppendix 5 reading passage Science journals andor student packets Pencils
Spanish hogfish ndash parasites and algae Marbled grouper ndash sm
rdquo
questions such as ldquo
ey collected with mouth size a
ac
o
tivity
st effective at collecting large
life fish and food
m
outh size and shape impact
p
odels are sim
t to in
odels
W
all fish
hich feeding style
terpr
odels in the
et their
odels
ilar to and
ollows
nd shape
httpflowergardennoaagov
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Models are not always an accurate representation If results fromactivrelationships discuss and identify possible reasons why with the students Have studenpredictions How did they do Ask students to add the fishrsquos food to Student Sheet 1 from the Have students read and 3 (samthis lesson plan) Have the students discuss and explain how the mreal life How well did the mfish mrepresHave students discuss the benefits ofmodels Have students com
Goldentail e
ity do n
odels were sim
ent feeding sty
ouths
e inform
t
o
How well did the m
s com
t accu
el ndash la
ation as the
Engage
p
p
rately reflect these
are the results with their
lete
ilar to and different from
les
rge an
d
Student Sheet 4
iscuss Stud activity
d sm
Introduction
odels represent
the
all f
odels
Explore
ent Sheet
using
ish
in
Activity 4 ndash Elaborate Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
extend their understandiother anbrainstormsize and shape manimweb and participathat featuwhere they can be found based on what they eat
FGBNMpictures of fish Cut-outs of fish sea creatures weather ocean features etcDry erase boTape or m
als live or where they fit in a food
im
t
S
re in a class sto
es
agnets
Critter Collage or other
als in the o possible effects that m
fish what they eat and
ard and m
ay have
cean
arkers
r
ng of this topic to
yte
on where
lling activity
outh
httpflowergardennoaagov
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
Begin with a brief review of the previous activShow students pictures them(Suggestions Flower GMarine SanhttpflowergardennomlhttpflowergardennoaagovdocumryeddocumAsk students to comnew fishes to those of the fishes represented in earlier activities Haveyou in grouping the new fish with the previous fish based on mouth shape and suspected feeding styDiscuss the results Ask students to brainstormeffects of mouth size and shape How does this affect ththey livefood chainof mfunction play into the down their thoughts on the board Have students copy the results of the brainstormjournals or oExplain to students thwhat they have learned to tell a group story Give instructions and behavioral expectations fthe styStudents will have mchoose from including fish coral crustaceans ocean weather etc characlearn about ecosystem
o
r the story
or the Critter Collage
Science journals andor student packets Pencils
You ma student Each student should contribute at least
outh shape and size
ities
to m
ter
le of ldquopass-the-s
D
s u
a
a
ing session into their science
ke observations about these fish
c
y start the story
How far reaching are the effects
entshtm
sed toge
o
t
eir d
n
tuary f
elling ac
es it af
a piece of paper
iet Do
ish sp
f
ther will he
pl
ect their positio
ultiple characters to
)
l
tiv
are the m
at they will no
ldquobig picturerdquo W
es
s
aagovaboutfishlistht
tory
of other fish and ask
a
ity This ac
es it affect where
rden Banks National ecies lis
the students direct
at
How does for
the possible
and then pass it to
ouths of the
lp stu
t at
These
tivity is in
w use
n in the
e
d
nt_libra
ents
mrite
and
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Models are not always an accurate representation If results fromactivrelationships discuss and identify possible reasons why with the students Have studenpredictions How did they do Ask students to add the fishrsquos food to Student Sheet 1 from the Have students read and 3 (samthis lesson plan) Have the students discuss and explain how the mreal life How well did the mfish mrepresHave students discuss the benefits ofmodels Have students com
Goldentail e
ity do n
odels were sim
ent feeding sty
ouths
e inform
t
o
How well did the m
s com
t accu
el ndash la
ation as the
Engage
p
p
rately reflect these
are the results with their
lete
ilar to and different from
les
rge an
d
Student Sheet 4
iscuss Stud activity
d sm
Introduction
odels represent
the
all f
odels
Explore
ent Sheet
using
ish
in
Activity 4 ndash Elaborate Students willhellip
Materials neededhellip
extend their understandiother anbrainstormsize and shape manimweb and participathat featuwhere they can be found based on what they eat
FGBNMpictures of fish Cut-outs of fish sea creatures weather ocean features etcDry erase boTape or m
als live or where they fit in a food
im
t
S
re in a class sto
es
agnets
Critter Collage or other
als in the o possible effects that m
fish what they eat and
ard and m
ay have
cean
arkers
r
ng of this topic to
yte
on where
lling activity
outh
httpflowergardennoaagov
1
2
3
45
6
7
8
Begin with a brief review of the previous activShow students pictures them(Suggestions Flower GMarine SanhttpflowergardennomlhttpflowergardennoaagovdocumryeddocumAsk students to comnew fishes to those of the fishes represented in earlier activities Haveyou in grouping the new fish with the previous fish based on mouth shape and suspected feeding styDiscuss the results Ask students to brainstormeffects of mouth size and shape How does this affect ththey livefood chainof mfunction play into the down their thoughts on the board Have students copy the results of the brainstormjournals or oExplain to students thwhat they have learned to tell a group story Give instructions and behavioral expectations fthe styStudents will have mchoose from including fish coral crustaceans ocean weather etc characlearn about ecosystem
o
r the story
or the Critter Collage
Science journals andor student packets Pencils
You ma student Each student should contribute at least
outh shape and size
ities
to m
ter
le of ldquopass-the-s
D
s u
a
a
ing session into their science
ke observations about these fish
c
y start the story
How far reaching are the effects
entshtm
sed toge
o
t
eir d
n
tuary f
elling ac
es it af
a piece of paper
iet Do
ish sp
f
ther will he
pl
ect their positio
ultiple characters to
)
l
tiv
are the m
at they will no
ldquobig picturerdquo W
es
s
aagovaboutfishlistht
tory
of other fish and ask
a
ity This ac
es it affect where
rden Banks National ecies lis
the students direct
at
How does for
the possible
and then pass it to
ouths of the
lp stu
t at
These
tivity is in
w use
n in the
e
d
nt_libra
ents
mrite
and
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
9
10
Have a place for the story to unfold (a dry erase boouts so that students can see themthe board with mis provided in Appendix 6 As students add to the story have themanimcan even use mwith the action Students should have fun with this and mwant to do it several timstories Enc
one line before passing it on choose any character thchosen malready beensimEncourage stories that are funny scary original etc but minclude feeding stCharacters can eat olong as they stick to will help stuand food we
ate their part with the characters They
ply add to the plot
ard works well) and place th
ourage lo
odify a character that has
a
bs) dents learn about food chains
rkers on the board to help
placed in th
agnets or tape) An exam
com
ts of
yles and diet ake sure students
t
e
the correct diet (this her characters as
e
s m creativ
up to the board to
at has not yet been
e story o
aking different ity
(fix them
They m
e cut
r
a
-
a
y
y
ple to
Activity 5 ndash Evaluate Students willhellip create their own short stories to
demonstrate their understanding of the relationships between form and function learned in this lesson
Materials neededhellip FGBNMS Critter Collage Cut-outs of fish sea creatures
weather ocean features etc Appendix 6 creative writing rubric Paper Pencils
1 Give a copy of the Critter Collage to each student or group of students to serve as a list of characters The evaluation will be individual so make sure students are only sharing the character list and not their thoughts
2 Review what was learned over the course of this lesson
3 Have students write their own creative stories The main character of each story must be one of the three fish pictured in Appendix 1 (Spanish hogfish marbled grouper or goldentail moray eel) Other characters may be used to support the story The story should demonstrate that the student understands the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
4 Give students a copy of the grading rubric (Appendix 6) and go over it with them before they start This allows them to know what you expect and how they will be graded
5 Determine the length of the story based upon your studentsrsquo abilities
6 If a student finishes early have himher draw a picture to go along with the story
Connections to Other Subjects
English Language Arts
Related Links
Flower Garden Banks Nahttpflowergardennoaagov FGBNMS Critter Collaghttpflowergardennoaddocscollagepdf National Marine Sanctuaries httpsanctuariesno
aag
agovdocum
ov
e
tional Marine Sanctuary
ent_librarye
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
For More Information
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 4700 Avenue U Building 216 Galveston TX 77551 409-621-5151 (phone) 409-621-1316 (fax) flowergardennoaagov
Education Standards
National Education Standards Science NS K-41 Science as Inquiry Science NS K-43 Life Science Science NS 5-81 Science as Inquiry Science NS 5-83 Life Science English NL-ENG K-124 Communication Skills English NL-ENG K-125 Communication Strategies English NL-ENG K-1212 Applying Language Skills
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Science 33C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 310A Explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particularenvironment
Science 43C Represent the natural world using models and identify their limitations including size properties and materials
Science 410A Explore how adaptations enable organisms to survive such as comparing birdsrsquo beaks and leaves on plants
Science 510A Compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live
English Language Arts and Reading 318 Write imaginative stories that build the plot to a climax and contain details about the character and setting
English Language Arts and Reading 330 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 331 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 416A Write imaginative stories that build the plot to
a climax and contain details about the character and setting English Language Arts and Reading 428 Listening and SpeakingSpeaking English Language Arts and Reading 429 Listening and SpeakingTeamwork English Language Arts and Reading 516A Write imaginative stories that include
o a clearly defined focus plot and point of view o a specific believable setting created through the use of sensory details and o dialogue that develops the story
helliphelliphelliphellip
Ocean Literacy Principles 5 The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Acknowledgements This lesson was developed for NOAArsquoThe research was performErnest F Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Programthrough a C ReviewShelley Du Puy Education and Kelly Drinn Contributors John EmMark WMarissa Nuttall Research Assistan Testing SiteGISD Summ This lesson is in the public domgranted for the reproduction without When reproducing this lesson pleaseand provide the following UR If you have any question
ers and Editors
eekley Operationsbesi Research Specialist F
ooperative Grant sponsored by the Na
e
er Island Adventure Ca
n Educational Specialis
s or need ad
ed under appointm
Coordinator FGBNMS
L for further
ain and cannot be us
Outreach Coordinator FGBNMS
t FGBNMS
m
G
dition
cite Flower Garden Banks Nationa
t FGBNMS
alteration of this lesson on the c
BNMS
p Parker Elem
s Flower Garden Banks National Ma
a
inform
l info
ent to th
rm
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm
ation
ation email
ed for commercial purposes Perm
e Nation
entary School
adm
httpflowerg
inistered by Oak Ridgeal Oceanic and At
flowergardennoaagov
ardennoaago
ondition its source is acknowledged
l Marine Sanctuary as the source
rine Sanctuary by Eherin Fennel mospheric Adm
Associated Universities
veducation
ission is hereby
inistration
inistration
html
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Marbled Grouper Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Spanish Hogfish Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 ndash Fish Pictures
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Goldentail Moray Eel Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek
Appendix 1 (continued)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 2 ndash Mouth Models
Spanish Hogfish - Picker
Marbled Grouper ndash Gulper Cut a slit in the mball circling halfway around A box cutter was used to cut thball BE CAREFUL WTo open the mouth simside
i
I
ddle of a racquet
TH THE BLADE
p ly press on either
is
Goldentail Moray Eel - Snatcher
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 3 ndash Food Models
Parasites anoil based mclay rouncooked rice ball of clay can represalgae on it and a fish shaped piece of clay can repwith parasites either one or both of these for Feeding Station 1
ent co
lled in
resen
od Algae ndash
ral with
t a fish
deling
Use
A
Small and Large Fish ndash small and large fishing floats
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 4 ndash Station Set-up
This is the basic set-up for each of the three feeding stations The lid can be used as a mini work area which helps to keep water from getting everywhere
Each feeding station will have a different food Feeding Station 1 is parasites and algae Feeding Station 2 is small fish Feeding Station 3 is large fish
Fill each tub with about 3 inches of water (or enough to cover the clay in Feeding Station 1)
Have students work in groups at each station to complete this activity
Feeding Station 1
Parasites and Algae
Feeding Station 2
Small Fish
Feeding Station 3
Large Fish
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- Small ball of modeling clay (approx 1-2 inches diameter) rolled firmly in rice
- models for each fish - paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 small fishing floats
- Models for each fish - Paper towels
- Plastic tub with lid next to it
- 12 large fishing floats - Models for each fish - Paper towels
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 5 ndash Example of Pass-the-Story
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Appendix 6 ndash Creative Writing Rubric
5-4 3-2 1-0 Understanding The student demonstrates an understanding of the relationship between form and function among fish as it relates to mouth size shape feeding style and food choice
Excellent
Shows evidence of understanding all
parts Includes all four underlined concepts in
the story
Moderate
Shows evidence of some understanding Includes two or three underlined concepts
in the story
Poor
Shows little or no evidence of
understanding One or no underlined
concepts are used in the story
Creativity Very Creative Some Creativity Little or No Creativity
Length The student meets length requirements set by the instructor
Meets minimum length
Does not meet minimum length
No effort shown
Grammar and Spelling The student meets grade appropriate levels
Satisfactory Mostly Satisfactory Non Satisfactory
Total___________________ 20
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Feeding Style Feeding Style
Observations Observations Observations
Tool Tool Tool
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 2 Small Fish continued (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
Make observations for the eel (snatcher)
Make observations for the grouper (gulper)
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3
Sanctuary (FGBNMfound in the northwestern Gulf of Mhomspecies of fish But is a ffish alike Of course not There are many simdifferences
Anithey can be used in different ways Sthe size and shape of a mused This relationship is known in science as foris considered forconsidered function
can have great imfish mfeeding styles amchance
puckered appearance it almare waiting for a kiss These fish nibble smof food in a picking stparasites or algae Spanish hogfish have this type of mand eat parasites and dead So Spanish hogfish are pickers
when closed but open quite wide Tswallow their food whole in a gulping fashion Groupers have this type of m
m
ilarities am
m
e
outh As juveniles (
and function The size and shape of a m
to m
al m
ouths the sam
Flower Garden Banks National Marine
Letrsquos use fish m
The for
Som
Other m
ouths are generally used for eating but
any anim
e m
ong
m
ouths are tiny and have a
ouths are shap
m
and function of a fish m
ong fish the sam
pacts on a fishrsquos life Are all
and how the m
fish
als including over 200
e
S) is a system
yle and typically eat
N
ouths as an exam
but there are also m
youngsters) they pick of
o
i
outh determ
sh sim
way So are all
scales from other fish
o
outh M
st looks like they
ed
p
like a frown
ly a fish Are all
e
of coral reefs
o
uth is used is
Not a
hese fish
e
o
a
ine how it is
xico It is
m
rbled
e
ple
tim
outh
all bits
a
es
ny
outh
f
groupers swallow small fish and crustaceans (crabs and shrimp) whole So marbled groupers are gulpers
Still other mouths open like a hinge and are narrow with sharp teeth Moray eels have this type of mouth Goldentail morays snatch fish as they pass by then hold onto them with their teeth If the prey happens to be too large to swallow whole they use their teeth to cut dinner into smaller bite-size pieces So goldentail morays are snatchers
Why are feeding styles so important anyway Well they help determine what food a fish can eat Sometimes these traits can also determine where fish are located on the food chain For example fish that use a picker feeding style eat small food particles Picker fish are also usually small This means they can become food for other fish that can eat them whole like a grouper that uses a gulper feeding style In turn the grouper can be eaten by a fish that is capable of biting him into smaller pieces Which fish is able to do this The eel that uses a snatcher style can
Mouth size shape and feeding style also influence where a fish lives After all a fish needs to live close to its food source
In summary we know that all fish are not the same Mouth shape and size (form) relate to feeding styles (function) of fish and this can impact what a fish eats its position in the food chain and where it lives Will you ever look at a fish mouth the same way again
httpflowergardennoaagov
Spanish Hogfish Goldentail Moray Eel Marbled Grouper
Photos by Joyce amp Frank Burek
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 4
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 1 Answer Key
List your observations for each fish mouth Then list the tool that best represents each mouth
Spanish Hogfish Marbled Grouper Goldentail Moray Eel
Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Photo by Joyce and Frank Burek Feeding Style Picker
Feeding Style Gulper
Feeding Style Snatcher
Observations Student observations will vary
Small
Doesnrsquot open very much
Eats parasites and algae
Observations Student observations will vary
Medium to large
Some teeth
Shaped like a frown
Eats small fish and crustaceans
Observations Student observations will vary
Long
Narrow
Sharp Teeth
Eats small and large fish
Tool Tweezers
Tool Racquet Ball
Tool Kitchen Tongs
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 2 Answer Key
As a group use the mouth models at each station to pick up food Write down your observations in the spaces provided In the boxes give each fish mouth model a number based on how well it works (1 = good 2 = fair 3 = bad) You may use the numbers more than once
Station 1 Algae and Parasites (rice)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)3 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel was not very good at picking up the parasites The mouth was too big and the parasites were too small
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will varyThe marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too bi
arbled groupe
g to pick up the tiny parasites
r (gulper)
1 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)Answers will varyThe SpaniThis mouth was small enough t
sh hogfish was
the beost at pick pick up the food easily
ing up the small para
sites and algae
Station 2 Small Fish (small fishing floats)
Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher)1 Answers will vary
The goldentail eel snatched up the small fish easily
Make observations for the marbled grouper (gulper) 1 Answers will vary
The marbled grouper was able to swallow the small fish whole
Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker)3 Answers will vary
The Spanish hogfishrsquos mouth was too small to pick up the small fish and eat them
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Station 3 Large Fish (large fishing floats)
1 Make observations for the goldentail eel (snatcher) Answers will vary The goldentail eel was the only one wfish
ith a big enough mouth to catch the large
3 Make observations for the mAnswers will vary The marbled grouperrsquos m
outh was too sma
arbled grouper (gulper)
ll to catch and eat the large fish
httpflowergardennoaagov
3 Make observations for the Spanish hogfish (picker) Answers will vary The Spanish hogfishrsquos m
outh was too small to catch and eat the large fish
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov
Fish Fun Student Sheet 3 Sample Answers
Answer each question
1 Which fish is the best at eating parasites and algae Why
The Spanish hogfish is the best at eating parasites and algae because it has a small mouth and can easily pick off the small food particles
2 Which fish is the best at eating large fish Why
The goldentail eel is the best at eating large fish because it has a large mouth that opens like a hinge It is easy to pick up large fish
3 If the Spanish hogfish (picker) had a larger mouth do you think it could eat larger food Why or why not
Yes the Spanish hogfish would be able to eat larger food if it had a larger mouth Fish that have big mouths are able to eat big items Fish that have small mouths are limited to eating small items
4 Was the grouper (gulper) able to catch any large fish Would it be able to swallow and eat these large fish Why or why not
Yes the grouper caught large fish but it wouldnrsquot be able to swallow and eat them because they did not fit completely into its mouth
5 How does a fishrsquos mouth size and shape relate to the type of food it can eat
Fish that have large mouths are able to eat large food items and fish that have small mouths are able to eat small food items
httpflowergardennoaagov