Describing fish scales with tiny comb-like teeth or ridges along the outer edge, making them feel rough to the touch.
From Greek 'ctenis' (comb) and '-oid' (resembling), literally 'comb-like.' This technical term describes a specific scale type found in many modern fish species.
When you pet a fish and it feels rough, you're touching ctenoid scales—they're an evolutionary upgrade from smooth scales because the ridges help reduce drag when swimming fast!
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