The
swim bladder,
gas bladder,
fish maw or
air bladder is an internal gas-filled
organ that contributes to the ability of many
bony fish (but not
cartilaginous fish) to control their
buoyancy, and thus to stay at their current water depth without having to waste energy in swimming. Also, the
dorsal position of the swim bladder means the center of mass is below the center of volume, allowing it to act as a stabilizing agent. Additionally, the swim bladder functions as a
resonating chamber, to produce or receive sound.