What do fish scales look like?

Fish scales:

1. A small rigid plate that grows out of the skin of the fish is known as fish scale.
2. Scales give protection from the environment and from predators and also help in locomotion.
3. Scales are different in size, structure, and shape.
4. There are four types of fish scales: Cycloid scale, Ctenoid scales, Placoid scales and Ganoid scales.

Types of fish scales:

Cycloid scales:

1. Cycloid scales are uniform and have a smooth texture.
2. Cycloid scales are large, thin and oval in shape.
3. The outer edge of cycloid scales are smooth.
4. Example: Carp.

Ctenoid scales:

1. Ctenoid scales are similar to cycloid scales.
2. Except that they have small teeth called ctenii on the outer edges of the scales.
3. Example: Perch, sunfish.

Placoid scales:

1. Placoid scales are triangular, rough structures, bony spiny projections.
2. Placoid scales are present in cartilaginous fish.
3. Example: Sharks.

Ganoid scales:

1. Ganoid scales are similar to placoid scales.
2. Ganoid scales are covered with an enamel-like substance called ganoin.
3. Example: Gars, bowfin.