What feature covers the Wels Catfish body instead of traditional scales?
Answer
Thick, slimy skin
A critical physical characteristic distinguishing the Wels Catfish is the complete absence of scales across its entire body. Instead, the heavy, elongated body is covered by thick, slimy skin. This outer covering is hypothesized to serve multiple protective functions. Furthermore, the presence of this slimy layer is believed to aid the fish's sensory perception, which is vital given its preference for residing in low-visibility environments such as murky river bottoms.
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