Does a Salmon Have Scales? A Detailed Look at This Iconic Fish

Salmon are one of the most iconic fish species. Known for their pink flesh salmon migrations and importance to ecosystems and cultures around the world, salmon have captivated the human imagination for centuries. But what about their biology? Specifically, does a salmon have scales?

The short answer is yes, salmon do have scales. However, salmon scales have some unique properties that distinguish them from the scales of other fishes.

An Overview of Salmon Scales

All salmon have scales covering their body Salmon scales are

• Cycloid – This means they have a smooth, round posterior edge. Cycloid scales have growth rings, like those found in trees.

• Small – Salmon scales are generally small, thin, and partially embedded in the skin. Larger scales may be present along the lateral line.

• Overlapping – Salmon scales overlap one another, with new scales forming underneath older ones as the fish grows. They overlap from head to tail.

• Transparent – Salmon scales are translucent, though they may take on the color of the fish’s skin. Their edges refract light, giving salmon a silvery sheen.

The Role of Scales on a Salmon

Scales serve several important functions for salmon and other fishes. Key functions include:

• Protection – Scales act as armor, shielding the fish from predators and abrasion. Their overlapping pattern allows flexibility.

• Reducing Friction – Scales reduce friction as the fish swims through water. Their smooth surface minimizes drag.

• Insulation – Scales help regulate water and ion movement between the fish’s body and environment. This aids osmoregulation.

• Sensing Water Currents – Scales likely help salmon sense water pressure changes around their body as they swim.

• Identification – Scale patterns are unique between salmon species and populations. Scales can be used to identify individuals and their origins.

So scales play integral roles in salmon survival and behavior. Their existence allows salmon to thrive in diverse aquatic environments across the Pacific Rim.

Salmon Scales Through Their Lifecycle

Salmon scales grow and change throughout the fish’s lifecycle:

• Juveniles – Young salmon have very small, thin scales. These likely offer little protection initially.

• Smolts – During the smolt phase, salmon scales and skin thicken to prepare for saltwater. More scales develop.

• Adults – Mature salmon develop thicker, larger scales as they transition between fresh and saltwater. More calcium is deposited.

• Spawners – Salmon returning to spawn have large, thick scales. In males, the scales’ posterior edges erode through breeding competition and abrasion.

So salmon scales reflect the fish’s age and sexual maturity. This makes them useful for assessing wild salmon populations.

Eating Salmon Scales

While edible, salmon scales have little culinary value. Their thin, brittle, enamel-like composition makes them unpalatable. Removing scales before cooking or eating raw salmon improves texture and experience.

However, scales can be easily removed from fillets or whole fish by scraping gently with a spoon or knife. Alternatively, some fisheries and vendors sell pre-scaled salmon.

While scales contain beneficial collagen, their calcified composition makes this nutrient largely unavailable through digestion. Eating the salmon skin or cartilage offers more bioavailable nutrition.

So for both flavor and nutrition, salmon scales are best removed before eating. Their utility ends once the salmon reaches the dinner plate.

Yes, it’s generally recommended to remove scales from salmon before cooking.

Yes, dogs can eat salmon, and it can be a healthy addition to their diet when prepared and served safely. Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, which can benefit a dog’s skin, coat, and overall health.

Several fish species lack scales, including hagfish, lampreys, and most catfish and eels. Some fish, like swordfish, are born with scales but shed them as they mature.