Cymatogaster aggregata Gibbons 1854

Shiner perch swim primarily using their pectoral fins, which is called labriform swimming. One pectoral fin beat cycle is comprised of three phases: (1) abduction, when the fins are moving away from the body; (2) adduction, when the fins are moving towards the body; and (3) the refractory period, when the fins are tucked against the body.

Thrust and lift forces are generated during both abduction and adduction. The proportion of the fin cycle occupied by these two phases increases as the fish swims faster; accordingly, the proportion occupied by the refractory period decreases. Both frequency and amplitude of the fin beat increase as the fish swims faster (Webb 1973).

Shiner perch also show evidence of synchronizing mouth opening for ventilation with adduction (Webb 1975).