Some Observations on the Young Scales of the Cod, Haddock and Whiting before Shedding

Extract

During the winter of 1902–3, I conducted observations upon the scales and their condition, in several of the gadoid fishes. Investigation was commenced in October 1902; but it was not until the beginning of March 1903 that the first appearance of the young scale took place. In stained specimens, it can be recognised as a deeply staining “nucleus,” lying beneath the old scale, just under its centre. Such an appearance was found in cod, haddock and whiting of all ages from one to three or four years;, and, in all, the young scale is clearly recognisable, underlying the old. As soon as these fishes have spawned, they appear to shed their scales, the epidermis first peeling off.