Question

What are cycloid scales used for?

Answer 1

Cycloid scales:

1. Cycloid scales are a collagenous layer of ganoid (hard or bony) or cosmoid scales (comprising a cosmine layer).
2. They have two distinct regions made from the outer bony layer comprising calcium-based salts while the inner fibrous layer is made up of collagen.
3. These cycloid scales help in providing greater flexibility in movement in bony fish.
4. These scales are smooth-edged scales.