- The 12 animals with scales
- 1- Crocodiles
- 2- Rutile
- 3- Sharks
- 3- Tuátaras
- 4- Stripes (batoid)
- 5- Snakes
- 6- Geckolepis
- 7- Folidotos
- 8- Alligators
- 9- Steller's Pigargo
- 10- Monitor lizard
- 11- Iguanas
- 12- Pineapple fish
- References
Most of the animals with scales are reptiles and fish. Animals need scales because if they did not have them they would be very vulnerable: the scales act as armor to protect them.
All reptiles and fish have scales. Reptile scales develop from the skin. They are made up of keratin, the same element that human nails are made of; in the case of reptiles, this keratin is much thicker than that of the nails.
As reptiles grow, their scales do too. They need to get rid of the scales so that new ones can grow. These thick, hard scales are useful when fighting off predators.
On the other hand, fish scales are quite slimy. This kind of lubrication allows a fluid movement when moving in the water. Additionally, it is difficult for parasites to create a home in such slimy scales.
The scales regulate the temperature in animals; they are common in cold-blooded animals. Compared to skin, scales absorb and dissipate heat more quickly. The scales are also useful when it comes to camouflaging animals.
The 12 animals with scales
1- Crocodiles
Crocodiles are large aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, America, and Australia.
Although all crocodiles are semi-aquatic and tend to congregate in waters such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the size, morphology, behavior, and ecology of crocodiles differ depending on their species.
All crocodiles are carnivores, feeding mainly on vertebrates such as fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds. All crocodiles are tropic species that are sensitive to cold. Many species are on the brink of extinction.
2- Rutile
It is a freshwater fish native to most of Europe and western Asia.
It is a small fish, with a silvery-blue body with a white stomach. Their fins are red. The number of scales in its natural line is 39 to 48.
Rutiles can be recognized by the large red marking on the iris, above and to the side of the pupil.
3- Sharks
Cartilaginous fish, like the shark, are covered with placoid scales. The placoid scales of these fish are structurally homologous with the teeth of vertebrates.
The shark is a fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, it has 5 to 7 gills on the sides of its head and pectoral fins that are not attached to its head. Sharks are a sister group to rays.
There are more than 500 species. It has a wide range in size: the species measure from 17 centimeters to 12 meters in length.
Sharks can be found in all oceans and many of them are at the top of the food chain.
3- Tuátaras
They are endemic reptiles to New Zealand. Although they look like most lizards, they are of a different lineage.
This species is of great interest in the study of the evolution of lizards and snakes, for the reconstruction of the appearance and habits of the ancient diapsids (a group that included dinosaurs, birds and crocodiles).
They are greenish-brown and gray in color, are up to 80 centimeters tall, and have a spiny ridge along their back.
They are capable of hearing, although they do not have an outer ear, and they have a number of unique features in their skeleton, which they apparently retained from fish in their evolution.
4- Stripes (batoid)
It is a suborder of cartilaginous fish. Their closest relatives are sharks. They have more than 600 species in 26 families.
They are distinguished by their flat bodies, elongated pectoral fins that are fused with their head, and gills on their ventral surfaces.
5- Snakes
They are elongated carnivorous reptiles without legs. They have the ability to swallow prey much larger than their heads thanks to their moving jaws. Snakes can be found on all continents except Antarctica.
More than 3,600 species are recognized; many species are not poisonous, but those that do have venom use it to kill their prey.
6- Geckolepis
They are a type of gecko endemic to Madagascar and the Commodore Islands.
They are nocturnal, arboreal, and insectivorous reptiles, known for their ability to lose their skin and scales when grabbed by a predator.
7- Folidotos
They are mammals with protective keratin scales that cover their skin; they are the only species of mammal with this characteristic.
Depending on their species, they vary in size, live in trees and their diet consists of ants and termites.
They live in parts of Asia and in Africa. All species are in danger of extinction.
8- Alligators
It is a crocodile of the genus alligator. There are two living species: the American and the Chinese. It is distinguished from crocodiles in that its snout is shorter and square, and its mouth closes completely.
They are usually less violent than crocodiles.
9- Steller's Pigargo
It is a giant bird that lives in Asia. It is the heaviest eagle in the world.
The scales of birds are composed of keratin. They are mainly found on its legs and on the lower part of its legs.
The scales were believed to be homologous to those of reptiles; however, the scales on birds evolved separately.
10- Monitor lizard
They are large lizards native to Africa, Asia, and Oceania. There are a total of 79 species.
These scaly lizards have long necks, powerful tails, claws, and well-developed limbs.
Most are carnivorous, but some eat fruits and vegetables. The most recognized species is the Komodo dragon.
11- Iguanas
They are herbivorous lizards native to the tropical areas of America and the Caribbean. They vary from 1.5 to 1.8 meters long. Iguanas have a row of spines that runs down their back to their tail, and a dewlap.
Behind its neck are small scales that look like rays; these scales have a variety of colors. They also have large round scales on their cheeks.
12- Pineapple fish
Their round bodies are completely covered with strong and large scales, fortified with prominent edges. They are generally yellow or orange, with the scales being rimmed black.
Its distribution is limited to the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo Pacific.
References
- Pinecone fishes. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Iguana. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Shark. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Rays. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Animal body coverings: scales. Recovered from animalcovering.blogspot
- Geckolepis. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Why do some animals have scales? Recovered from kinooze.com
- Common roach. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Tuatara. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Snake. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Bird anatomy. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Feathers, fins, fur, scales and skin. Recovered from learnnc.org
- Steller's sea eagle. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Alligator. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Crocodile. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- Pangolin. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- What are some animals with scales, other than fish? Recovered from quora.com
- Monitor lizard. Recovered from wikipedia.org