Placoid scales
Placoid scales are found in sharks and rays, and can vary greatly in external appearance. They do not increase in size as the fish grows, instead new scales are added. Placoid scales are often referred to as denticles.
Placoid scales consist of a flattened rectangular base plate which is embedded in the fish, and variously developed structures, such as spines, which project posteriorly on the surface. The spines give many species a rough texture. There are large differences in the development of these spines between different species.
Placoid scales are composed of a vascular (supplied with blood) inner core of pulp, a middle layer of dentine and a hard enamel-like outer layer of vitrodentine.
Unlike the scales of bony fishes, placoid scales do not increase in size as the fish grows. Instead, new scales are added between the older scales.
Reference:
Helfman, G.S., Collette, B.B. & D.E. Facey. 1997. The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell Science. Pp. 528.
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Scanning electron micrograph of the scales of a White Shark View full size
Sue Lindsay
© Australian Museum
'Faye', a large female White Shark at the Neptune Islands View full size
Michelle Yerman
© Michelle Yerman
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