Can fish with scales survive without scales? Why or why not?
If you remove the scales, you must have also removed the mucus membrane that surrounds the fish. The mucus, scales, and skin of the fish all function as our skin does: to protect the animal from any pathogens that may be in their environment. By removing their scales, they are venerable to both predators and pathogens like bacteria, viruses, debris in the water, and toxins like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Also, in saltwater fish, the scales are very important for osmoregulation. Scales prevent the fish from becoming dehydrated by maintaining the proper balance of water inside the fish.
