Biomechanics of fish tissues: Structure, mechanics, and technological advancements

Investigations on the biomechanics and structure of fish biomaterials over the last two decades have yielded intriguing results that positively impact disciplines in biomimetics and bioinspiration. This chapter describes the comparative functional morphology and biomechanics of tissues in jawless fishes, cartilaginous fishes, and bony fishes; beginning with rigid tissues, bone and cartilage, then progressing to softer, readily deformable, dense connective tissues and integument. Since the previous edition of this text was published, significant discoveries in fish tissue biomechanics have transpired, including studies on acellular and intramuscular osteichthyan bones, chondrichthyan tessellated cartilage, unmineralized cartilages in agnathans, twisted jaw adductor tendons in chimaeras, stress-strain distributions in varieties of rigid and semi-rigid tissues, and the curiously slimy, baggy skins of hagfishes. Much of these discoveries are owed to, but not limited to, technological advancements like microCT, VROMM, and FEM, various enhancements to spectroscopy and electron microscopy, creation of biologically-realistic material testing rigs, and, pioneering research on poorly-studied taxa. © 2025 Published by Elsevier Inc.