Flow patterns around the carapaces of rigid-bodied, multi-propulsor boxfishes (Teleostei: Ostraciidae)

Boxfishes (Teleostei: Ostraciidae) are rigid-body, multi-propulsor swimmers that exhibit unusually small amplitude recoil movements during rectilinear locomotion. Mechanisms producing the smooth swimming trajectories of these fishes are unknown, however. Therefore, we have studied the roles the bony carapaces of these fishes play in generating this dynamic stability. Features of the carapaces of four morphologically distinct species of boxfishes were measured, and anatomically-exact stereolithographic models of the boxfishes; were constructed. Flow patterns around each model were investigated using three methods: 1) digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV), 2) pressure distribution measurements, and 3) force balance measurements. Significant differences in both cross-sectional and longitudinal carapace morphology were detected among the four species. However, results from the three interrelated approaches indicate that flow patterns around the various carapaces are remarkably similar. DPIV results revealed that the keels of all boxfishes generate strong longitudinal vortices that vary in strength and position with angle of attack. In areas where attached, concentrated vorticity was detected using DPIV, low pressure also was detected at the carapace surface using pressure sensors. Predictions of the effects of both observed vortical flow patterns and pressure distributions on the carapace were consistent with actual forces and moments measured using the force balance. Most notably, the three complementary experimental approaches consistently indicate that the ventral keels of all boxfishes, and in some species the dorsal keels as well, effectively generate self-correcting forces for pitching motions-a characteristic that is advantageous for the highly variable velocity fields in which these fishes reside.