Fish Body Design Reveals Optimized Swimming Mechanics | The Institute for Creation Research

Fish Body Design Reveals Optimized Swimming Mechanics
Engineering-minded scientists have taken notice that many types of fish have bodies shaped like a low-drag airfoil that are characteristic of airplane wings. Now, a new research study has proven that the engineered mechanics of this design in fish provide optimized movement and thrust for swimming.1

Human-designed airplane wings have a rounded leading edge combined with a smoothly tapered trailing section that is uniquely shaped to reduce drag while moving through the air at high speed. Over the years, scientists have been studying the design of both birds and fishes to maximize human-engineered systems for moving airplanes rapidly and efficiently.2 However, researchers wanted to know more about how fish body design enabled them to use their unique shape to efficiently produce high levels of thrust during high-speed propulsion. They were already aware that fish were able to use this design for highly efficient leisurely cruising.

Compared to the wing of an airplane, the head-to-tail body plan of many fishes is shaped similarly to an airfoil turned on its side. When a fish swims, it oscillates in such a way that it produces negative pressure along the length of its body due to its shape and pitching movements. The negative pressure produces maximal thrust forces along the entire length of its body, but scientists did not understand the exact nature of this design. In this new study, researchers applied a high-resolution, pressure-based analysis to two types of fishes: a bluegill sunfish and a brook trout.

The fish were shown to produce thrust towards the front of their bodies using leading-edge suction mechanics, similar to an airfoil. In fact, the swimming motion that produced thrust on the frontal portions of the fish bodies, through negative pressure, yielded 28% of the total thrust produced over the whole body. And incredibly, this specific percentage was also optimal for decreasing the net drag on the trailing part of the body. The end result was an amazingly optimized design based on the known principles of fluid mechanics.

In their adulation of the optimally efficient design, the authors stated,

We suggest that such airfoil-like mechanics are highly efficient, because they require very little movement and therefore relatively little active muscular energy, and may be used by a wide range of fishes since many species have appropriately shaped bodies.1

Unfortunately, their analysis did not consider the obvious implications of what the Bible says is in Psalms 19:1-2, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.” This highly optimized handiwork of the Lord leaves those who deny the Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ, without excuse. The apostle Paul stated in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

References
1. Lucas, K.N., G.V. Lauder, and E.D. Tytell. 2020. Airfoil-like mechanics generate thrust on the anterior body of swimming fishes. PNAS. 117(19): 10585-10592.
2. Floryan, D., T. Van Buren, and A.J. Smits. 2018. Efficient cruising for swimming and flying animals is dictated by fluid drag. PNAS. 115(32): 8116‐8118.

*Dr. Tomkins is Life Sciences Director at the Institute for Creation Research and earned his doctorate in genetics from Clemson University.
The Latest
NEWS
Liberty and the Word of God
“And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts” (Psalm 119:45). July 4th is called Independence Day here in our country because on...

NEWS
July 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome...

NEWS
Valued Longtime ICR Employee Mary Smith Retires
Mary Morris Smith, an employee of the Institute for Creation Research for many years, has retired. The second daughter of ICR founder Dr. Henry M. Morris...

NEWS
Man of Science, Man of God: George Washington Carver
Who:  George Washington Carver What: Father of Modern Agriculture When: 1864 or 1865 – January 5, 1943 Where: Diamond Grove,...

ACTS & FACTS
The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Battle of Worldviews
Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee, and its statue of William Jennings Bryan Image credit: M. Mueller The Scopes Monkey...

ACTS & FACTS
Long Non-Coding RNAs: The Unsung Heroes of the Genome
Evolutionary theory holds that all living things came about through random, natural processes. So conventional scientists believe the genome has developed...

ACTS & FACTS
Yosemite National Park, Part 1: Tiny Clues of a Grand Picture
Yosemite National Park in California is a sure source of stunning scenery. It’s no wonder that American naturalist John Muir persuaded President...

ACTS & FACTS
From Inference to Theory: A Common Design Case Study
Without a doubt, humans, chimpanzees, and other organisms share similar features. An early explanation was that these features reflect similar designs...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: T. rex
by Michael Stamp and Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover...

ACTS & FACTS
Entering By The Door
Recently, I hosted a visiting pastor from a large church at ICR’s Discovery Center. As I guided him through our Dallas museum, one conversation...