: Due to their thick, bony nature, these scales make the fish's body relatively rigid compared to more modern teleost fish. Representative Living Species
: In these species, the scales are often modified into large, bony plates called scutes rather than a full body covering. ganoid fish
: Found in Africa, these fish are some of the most primitive living ray-finned fishes. : Due to their thick, bony nature, these
: Species like the Alligator Gar are famous for their diamond-shaped armor. : Due to their thick
: While technically a ganoid fish, its scales have become significantly thinner and more flexible, resembling the cycloid scales of modern fish. Evolutionary and Cultural Significance
Today, only a few groups of fish still possess these primitive scales: