What specialized structures cover the whale shark's thick skin, creating a rough texture?
Answer
Dermal denticles
The integument, or skin, of the whale shark is exceptionally thick, sometimes reaching 10 centimeters. This tough layer is not covered by standard scales found on many other fish species. Instead, the skin is covered in dermal denticles. These structures are essentially modified, tooth-like components embedded in the skin, which collectively give the surface a distinctly rough texture, often likened to sandpaper. While dermal denticles in many sharks aid in hydrodynamics by reducing drag, their sheer thickness on the whale shark also suggests a protective role against abrasion in their environment.
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