Larger wavelengths suit hydrodynamics of carangiform swimmers

We examine the connection between the physiology and wavy kinematics of carangiform swimmers, such as Jack, Tuna, and Sunfish. Using high-fidelity numerical simulations for flows over Jack Fish models obtained through reconstruction of high-speed images of real natural swimmers, it was revealed that undulation with larger wavelengths improves the hydrodynamic performance of the carangiform swimmer in terms of better thrust production by the caudal fin, lower drag production on the trunk, and reduced power consumption by the trunk.