What does shark skin look like?

The skin of a shark is densely covered with thin, needle-like dermal denticles in a regular or random pattern. The pointed part faces towards the tail. It feels like sandpaper to touch.

The dermal denticles are like hard, grooved teeth. Dermal means skin, and denticles means teeth. However, they are not teeth. Dermal denticles are placoid (platel-like) scales. 

The dermal denticles protect the skin and are streamlined which helps the shark swim swiftly through the water. Water goes through the grooves so that there is no friction. 

Location of photographs: New York Aquarium, America

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM