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Why do fish have scales? |
Water Animals
Scales help protect a fish’s body and make it comfortable for the fish to swim and move from side to side. Most fish have scales, but not all do. Sometimes it may look as if a fish does not have scales, but that fish may just have a special type of scale that looks a little bit different. Even sharks have scales.
You can think of scales like a fish’s suit of armor. Many times, the scales are hard, sturdy, and slippery. That makes it difficult for predators to snatch a fish that is swimming nearby. It also means a fish is likely to stay safe if it gets poked with something that is a little sharp, like a piece of coral.
