Alepidote

/əˈlɛpɪˌdoʊt/ adjective

Definition

In botany and zoology, lacking scales or being smooth-scaled, without prominent scale patterns.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) and 'lepis' (scale) and '-dote' (given or caused by). Used in scientific classification since the 19th century to describe smooth-skinned creatures.

Kelly Says

Alepidote fish look sleek and slimy while their cousins are covered in obvious scales—it's like the difference between a catfish and a trout!

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