This Shark Has Tooth-Like Scales In Its Eyes
By: NDTVNewsDesk
Image: Pexels
The Whale Shark, the world's largest fish, has tooth-like scales in its eyes.
Image: Pexels
It uses these structures, called dermal denticles, as a unique form of eye protection since it lacks eyelids.
Image: Pexels
This acts like a built-in armor to shield its vulnerable eyeballs from injury as it swims.
Image: Pexels
These aren't true teeth but modified scales, also found on their skin, forming rings around the iris.
Image: Pexels
Whale sharks can also partially retract their eyeballs into their sockets for further protection.
Image: Pexels
This feature was a significant discovery by marine biologists, highlighting the complex sensory system of these gentle filter feeders.
Image: Pexels
A single whale shark eyeball can have as many as 3,000 denticles, densely packed around the iris.
Image: Pexels
The eye denticles have a distinct "oak-leaf" shape, which is different from the triple-ridged denticles covering the rest of the body.
Image: Pexels
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