Do sharks have scales?

Question

I know that something all fish have are scales. But sharks are fish, and it looks like they don't have them. Do they really have scales, or is this just an exception?

Answer 1

Yep they have scales, just not the same as a typical fish. They have modified scales which look like little teeth or bumps and are known as denticles, close-up of scales on these pages http://www.amonline.net.au/FISHES/fishfacts/fish/whitesc2.htm http://www.amonline.net.au/FISHES/what/scales/placoid.htm
These scales actually have hydro-dynamic benefits for the sharks and reduce drag.

But not all fish have scales, lamprey, catfish (tough some have bony plates), some sticklebacks and many more are scaleless!

Answer 2

Sharks are an ancient order of sea life. Sharks are cartilaginous fish. This means to do not have what is considered true bones.

Shark scales are tiny compared with those of teleosts (bony fishes) and have a characteristic tooth-like structure.
http://www.elasmo-research.org/education/white_shark/scales.htm

Answer 3

I think sharks do have scales but they are too small to be seen by the naked eye. It feels like sandpaper, as it's scales or tiny, and hard. It's a fish and all fish have scales. Example, a penguin has feathers, but they are too small to be seen. Although you cannot see it, they are birds and all birds have feathers! ^^

Answer 4

No scales on Mr. Shark

Answer 5

No scales. They do have rough skin that is covered with little hook like projections and some times used as sandpaper.

Answer 6

no scales

Answer 7

No scales but have hair coz it is a mammal

Answer 8

no they have kinda am 3 inch blubber ish skin thats slimy and areodynamic