What covers the smooth skin of the Yellow Bullhead instead of scales?

Answer

A tough, mucus-covered integument

Like other bullheads, the Yellow Bullhead lacks traditional scales found on many fish species. Instead, its body is protected by a tough integument, which is the biological term for the skin covering. This skin is further coated in a thick layer of mucus, which provides necessary protection against abrasions from substrate contact and environmental irritants, contributing to its resilience.

What covers the smooth skin of the Yellow Bullhead instead of scales?
dietAmericanBullheadCatfish