Question

Can fish have both ctenoid and cycloid scales?

Answer 1

Cycloid scales:

1. Cycloid scales look like the inner layer of ganoid or cosmoid scales.
2. It is present in carp and similar fishes.
3. They are large, thin and oval.
4. They are arranged in an overlapping pattern.

Ctenoid scales:

1. They are similar to cycloid scales.
2. On their overlapping edge, comb-like teeth are present.
3. They are characteristic of higher bony fishes - perches and sunfishes.

Fishes with both cycloid and ctenoid scales:

1. Some flatfishes contain cycloid scales on their blind side and some ctenoid scales are present on the side of the body with eyes.
2. In some species, ctenoid scales are present in males and cycloid scales are present in females.
3. Examples - Sea Perches, Dab fish, etc.