Spiny dogfish skin. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of scales from the skin of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). These sharply pointe

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Spiny dogfish skin. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of scales from the skin of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias). These sharply pointed placoid scales are also known as dermal teeth or denticles. They give the fish's skin the feel of sandpaper. The tip of each scale is made of dentine overlayed with dental enamel. The lower part of each scale, which anchors it into the skin, is made of bone. The scales disrupt turbulence over the skin, considerably reducing the drag on the fish as it swims. This design has been investigated by engineers for use on the surfaces of aircraft and boats. Magnification: x60 when printed 10cm wide.

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Size: 4000px × 4000px
Photo credit: © EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: acanthias, animal, aquatic, biology, biomimesis, biomimetic, biomimetics, biomimicry, bionic, bionics, cartilaginous, coloured, denticle, denticles, dermal, dogfish, false-colour, false-coloured, fish, hydrodynamic, hydrodynamics, nature, piked, placoid, scale, scales, sem, shark, skin, spiny, spurdog, squalus, streamlined, streamlining, surface, teeth, zoology