Fishes have a streamlined body shape. This shape allows them to move easily in water. When a fish swims in water, the muscles that cover its skeleton cause the front part of the body to curve towards one side. On the other hand, the tail (with fins) curves towards the opposite side. Then, the body and the tail immediately curve towards the other side. This causes a jerk, thereby pushing the body to move forward. Many such jerks in succession help the fish to move forward.