Question

How do cycloid scales grow?

Answer 1

Scales:

1. The presence of dermal scales is the characteristic feature of true fishes.
2. These scales are of different types in different fishes like cycloid, ganoid, cosmoid, ctenoid, and placoid.
3. These act as protective organs and also help fish while swimming.

Cycloid scales:

1. In all true fishes, the exoskeleton is made up of dermal scales.
2. In Osteichthyes fishes like carp cycloid scales are found.
3. Cycloid scales are round-shaped.
4. These are thick at the center and thin at the terminal.
5. These are flexible.
6. In these scales, the basal layer is made up of connective tissue and the upper layer is made up of isopedine.
7. These scales grow in such a manner that the posterior part of each scale covers the anterior part of the last scale.
8. These are embedded inside the dermis.
9. This embedded part is wavy and the external part is half-moon-shaped.