One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
(of fish scales) having many tiny projections on the edge like the teeth of a comb, as in many bony fishes.
- ‘Triplefin blennies are also unique among blennies in that they possess ctenoid (rough-edged) scales (except for three species).’
- ‘The scales may be cycloid, ctenoid, or absent and the lateral line is absent.’
- ‘E. llajara differs from E. lanceolatus in having ctenoid scales on the sides of the body, and small black spots on the head and dorsal part of the body.’
- ‘Its scales are ctenoid, and it has no preorbital scales.’
- ‘The body is covered with small ctenoid scales that extend well onto the dorsal and anal fins.’
Mid 19th century: from Greek kteis, kten- ‘comb’ + -oid.
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