Fish Scales — American Shad (Alosa Sapidissima)

This series of fish scales shows the many variations in morphology between fish species.

The American Shad is native to North America and migrates from salt to freshwater to breed in the spring. This species has large crenate scales, where the scale extends into weak protrusions (not quite spines) along its posterior edge.

For this dataset, a 4th order polynomial reference geometry and a 2.5 mm long wavelength filter attenuate the larger shape so that the finer roughness at the scale edges can be seen.

Measured via GelSight Mobile surface measurement probe

Data Source: Dr. Dylan Wainwright, Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

Related Datasets:

Splitfin Flashlight Fish

Ozark Bass

Dusky Smooth-hound

Black Nox Angelfish

Read more about Dr. Wainwrights’ research here.