Ever touched a shark before?
A shark’s skin appears rather smooth and sleek. However, it feels very rough, similar to a sand paper. Most fishes are covered with [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ] scales that are designed to provide protection and free movement.
Sharks, being cartilaginous fishes have cartilages made up of dermal denticles rather than scales to wrap their bodies. Dermal denticles can be roughly translated as ‘skin teeth’ as their composition bears a close resemblance to teeth with an outer layer of enamel, one of the major tissues that make up the tooth in humans and many other animals
Dermal denticles grow from the outer layer of skin, similar to scales. However, they grow to a predetermined size and come to a halt. A new layer of denticles then shall grow on top and in between the previous layer, acting as a form of aquatic armour.
The denticles aid the sharks to swim faster and glide through the water with fewer disturbances that probably would scare their prey away. The sharp denticles point downwards and towards the tail, reducing the friction and drag. These are forces that oppose the sharks’ movement.
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