do fish lose scales? lets investigate

Do fish lose scales? This is an intriguing question after some thought and a coffee I’m ready to answer this very question. A question brought to you via an inquisitive eight-year-old child of mine.

We hopefully all know that reptiles shed their scales and skin but fish don’t. They generally keep their scales for their entire life span.

Fish need their scales as it acts as a defence mechanism and protects the fish from predators. Helps against physical damage.

Damage from rocks sharp pointy plants and other fish. Their scales also help against diseases and illnesses so seems as though fish want to keep their scales.

So Do fish lose scales 

Yes, fish can lose their scales injury disease, stress and old age can all cause a fish to lose their scales. In most cases, though fish have the amazing ability to regrow scales.  

Reasons For Fish Losing Their Scales

Fish so it seems need scales as stated before and would like to keep them intact let’s look at the reasons they may be losing them and see if we can help.

General Injuries 

I would class general injury as quite a big reason for the loss of scales. Fish move around pretty quickly and don’t seem to know where they’re going most of the time.

Rocks 

Jagged edges on rocks and some larger stones that we’ve put in to make the place look good may have a detrimental effect on our little mates.

Crashing into a few sharp edges a few times is enough to pull a few scales out. So we need to make sure there are no sharp edges on rocks and larger stones to help protect against scale loss.

Plants

Another big possible one for general injury would be plants, shrubs and other greenery. Fish if they are anything like mine love whizzing in and out of them.

This constant slalom action is only gonna course problems. Some of these plants are thick bushy and sharp just imagine how that’s gonna feel.

When a fish keeps whizzing in and out of that thick bushy shrubbery. Its gots take its toll and eventually, scales can be torn asunder.

Top tip when planting leave a good gap between the plants. There is no need to overcrowd space them out and enjoy them your fish will enjoy them better too.

Hiding Places

Hiding places is important as most fish like some alone time. But sometimes they can get into some tight places.

Places they have no reason to be in like behind filters and or even worse heaters. Getting stuck is no fun and fish tend to panic.

Panicking and struggling will cause possible injury and could be a reason for some loss of scales. Being stuck behind a heater is even worse.

Fish burn very easily and losing scales because of burning is a major concern for us as hobbyists keeping a shield over the heater is great.

Keeping the heater closer to the walls of the tank is also recommended.

Over Aggressive Fighting 

Fish are pretty territorial and some fish take everything personal same as us I suppose. Fish will attack other fish sometimes even their own kind.

Some fish take mating and courting too far and chase the female. Which can end up in injuries and the loss of scales.

As well as general fighting over who the boss and we have to realise some fish just don’t mix for whatever reason.

Hence why we are always trying to keep fish in a good community group its not always easy if we see a bad fish it’s best to just remove it and rehome it.

Stress Causing Scale Loss

Stress comes in all shapes and sizes. Some fish may be being bullied and become ill from stress this stress can in turn course fish to moult.

They become slow and tired looking and the colour goes from them and they can lose scales. 

Stress From Poor Water Conditions

Certain water conditions can be problematic for fish. These will cause stress and in turn, our fish friends can lose scales.

Having the PH KH GH change can dramatically affect our fish. The PH determines how much acidity is in the water KH determines minerals mainly calcium in the water and GH tells us how hard the water is. 

Have a look here Oh No Why Are My PH Levels Crashing In My Fish Tank for more information on what to do about PH and general hardness in our tank waters.

Ammonia Stress/Poisoning

One of the most common reasons for water stress is the dreaded silent killer. Ammonia as fish waste and food decays and becomes ammonia.

Ammonia is toxic for fish and the first sign along with producing extra slime/mucus ( Are fish slimy) and gasping for air near the top of the surface of the water is losing scales. 

I’ve left a link above for are fish slimy which explains more about fish slime enjoy.

Bacterial diseases 

Disease in fish can be rampant and it seems at times there is one for everything. Unfortunately, there is one for scale loss.

Scale Shedding Disease

This disease is known as infectious protrusion its bacterial in nature and can get into our aquariums in various ways.

Early signs are the scales protruding and bubbles appearing all over the fish’s skin. Fish will seem lethargic and not eating;

As soon as we see any signs of this disease we act fast as its fatal if left untreated.

Parasite Causing Loss Of Scales

There are plenty of parasites that can be brought into the fish’s environment. As fish have no way out of their surroundings this is yet another concern.

Fish, when they have a parasite, tend to rub against hard surfaces rocks stones gravel ornaments whatever they can find.

Some parasites may cause fish to lose scales but on the whole, it’s the excessive rubbing and itching that eventually causes the scales to flake off.

Do Fish Lose Scales

Yes But Most Will Regrow

As we know fish can lose their scales they don’t want to lose them and it’s usually because of some form of injury.

Disease or rough play that causes the issue they are not shedding on purpose like reptiles. Fish are supposedly able to keep their scales for the entirety of their lives.

That being said amazingly they can regrow scales as long as the infection is taken care of and has not been going on for too long and so long as they have not lost too many scales.

Although I’m not sure how many constitute too many scales. Anyway, I think you will agree with me that fish are amazing and the fact they can regrow scales is yet another reason to love them.