Most fish have scales that form a protective barrier to protect the fish from injury, but did you know that fish scales can be an indicator of past weather. As a fish grows larger, its scales also get larger. As the scales get larger, growth rings form on the scales. These rings look a little like the growth rings in the trunk of a tree. Growth rings tell the age of fish and are also an indicator of past weather. Fish tend to grow slower when the water temperature is cold, when food is in short supply, and during times of stress due to pollution or spawning. Growth rates are highest when water temperature is warm and fish have lots of food. Based on the rings’ width, past weather can be determined — wider rings indicate mild or good weather and narrower rings indicate that the year had colder weather.
Viewer Tip: If you’ve ever touched a fish, you would probably describe it as feeling slimy. Fish are actually covered with slime called a “slime coat.” The slime coat helps to protect fish from bacteria and parasites. The slime coat also helps fish move easily in water by reducing friction.
This information is provided by the Georgia Wildlife Federation. Learn more at www.gwf.org.
(Additional Sources: http://www.tnfish.org/AgeGrowth_TWRA/TWRA_FishAgeGrowth.htm; http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/what/scales/index.htm)
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