Scales are a type of modified skin that provides protection and support for some animals. They are found on a variety of animals, both on land and in the water, and serve as protection from predators, temperature extremes, and other environmental factors. Here are 20 animals with scales, along with some interesting facts about each one:
Fish Scales
Fish are a diverse group of vertebrates that have a streamlined body and a hard, bony skeleton. They also have a protective covering of scales, which are made of a protein called keratin.
1. Salmon
Salmon are large, migratory fish that are found in the oceans and rivers of the northern hemisphere. They have small, smooth scales that cover their body and provide protection from predators and the environment. Salmon are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. They are an important food source for a variety of animals, including humans.
2. Trout
Trout are medium-sized fish that are found in the streams and rivers of the northern hemisphere. They have small, smooth scales that cover their body and provide protection from predators and the environment. Trout are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish. They are a popular game fish for recreational anglers.
3. Catfish
Catfish are a diverse group of fish that are found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. They have small, smooth scales that cover their body and provide protection from predators and the environment. Catfish are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants and animals, including algae, insects, and small mammals.
4. Piranha
Piranhas are small, predatory fish that are found in the rivers of South America. They have small, smooth scales that cover their body and provide protection from predators and the environment. Piranhas are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including fish, mammals, and birds. They are known for their sharp teeth and powerful jaws, which they use to tear off chunks of flesh from their prey.
Reptile Scales
Reptiles are a group of vertebrates that have a hard, protective covering of scales on their skin.
5. Snake
Snakes are reptiles that have a long, slender body and a hard, protective covering of scales on their skin. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the snake to move through a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. Snakes are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and insects. They are known for their venomous bites, which they use to subdue and kill their prey.
6. Lizard
Lizards are reptiles that have a hard, protective covering of scales on their skin. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the lizard to move through a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. Lizards are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, rodents, and smaller lizards. Some species are also able to glide through the air using their flattened bodies and extended ribs.
7. Alligator
Alligators are large reptiles that are found in the swamps and marshes of the southeastern United States. They have a hard, protective covering of scales on their skin, which provides protection from predators and the environment.
Amphibian Scales
Amphibians are a group of vertebrates that have a moist, permeable skin and can breathe through their skin as well as their lungs. Some amphibians have scales on their skin, which provide protection and support.
8. Frog
Frogs are small, agile amphibians that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They have smooth, moist skin that is covered in a thin layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the frog to move through its habitat. Frogs are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, spiders, and small mammals.
9. Salamander
Salamanders are small, slender amphibians that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. They have smooth, moist skin that is covered in a thin layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the salamander to move through its habitat. Salamanders are carnivores and will eat a variety of prey, including insects, spiders, and small mammals.
Bird Scales
Birds are a group of vertebrates that have a hard, bony skeleton and a covering of feathers. Some birds also have scales on their skin, which provide protection and support.
10. Ostrich
Ostriches are large, flightless birds that are found in the grasslands and deserts of Africa. They have a hard, protective covering of scales on the skin of their legs and feet, which provides protection from predators and the environment. Ostriches are herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and seeds. They are the largest living birds and are known for their powerful legs and the ability to run at high speeds.
11. Pigeon
Pigeons are small to medium-sized birds that are found in a variety of habitats, including cities, forests, and grasslands. They have a hard, protective covering of scales on the skin of their legs and feet, which provides protection from predators and the environment. Pigeons are herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including grasses, seeds, and fruit. They are known for their ability to find their way home over long distances using their sense of smell and orientation.
12. Kiwi
Kiwis are small, flightless birds that are found in the forests and grasslands of New Zealand. They have a hard, protective covering of scales on the skin of their legs and feet, which provides protection from predators and the environment. Kiwis are nocturnal and are adapted to life in the dark, with a highly developed sense of smell and a long, sensitive beak. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants and animals, including insects, worms, and berries.
Mammal Scales
Mammals are a group of vertebrates that have a covering of hair on their skin and produce milk for their young. Some mammals have scales on their skin, which provide protection and support.
13. Armadillo
Armadillos are small, burrowing mammals that are found in the forests, grasslands, and deserts of Central and South America. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and sides that is made of modified skin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the armadillo to move through its habitat.
14. Pangolin
Pangolins are small, nocturnal mammals that are found in the forests and grasslands of Africa and Asia. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and sides that is made of modified skin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the pangolin to move through its habitat. Pangolins are insectivores and will eat a variety of insects, including ants and termites. They are known for their ability to curl up into a ball and use their scales as a defense against predators.
15. Armadillo Girdled Lizard
Armadillo girdled lizards are small, terrestrial lizards that are found in the deserts of southern Africa. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and sides that is made of modified skin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the lizard to move through its habitat. Armadillo girdled lizards are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants and animals, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small rodents. They are known for their ability to roll up into a ball and use their scales as a defense against predators.
16. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are medium-sized lizards that are found in the deserts and woodlands of Australia. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and sides that is made of modified skin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the lizard to move through its habitat. Bearded dragons are omnivores and will eat a variety of plants and animals, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small rodents. They are known for the spiny scales on their throat, which they can puff out to make themselves look larger and more intimidating.
Invertebrate Scales
Invertebrates are a group of animals that do not have a backbone. Some invertebrates have scales on their body, which provide protection and support.
17. Butterfly
Butterflies are insects that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their wings that is made of chitin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the butterfly to fly.
18. Moth
Moths are insects that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their wings that is made of chitin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the moth to fly. Moths are herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including leaves, flowers, and stems. They are known for their ability to fly at night and are attracted to light sources, such as streetlights and porch lights.
19. Grasshopper
Grasshoppers are medium-sized insects that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and wings that is made of chitin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the grasshopper to move through its habitat. Grasshoppers are herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including leaves, flowers, and stems. They are known for their powerful hind legs, which they use to jump long distances.
20. Cicada
Cicadas are medium-sized insects that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts. They have a hard, exoskeletal shell on their back and wings that is made of chitin and is covered in a layer of scales. The scales provide protection from predators and the environment and help the cicada to move through its habitat. Cicadas are herbivores and will eat a variety of plants, including leaves, flowers, and stems. They are known for their loud, singing calls that they use to attract mates.