What is the body covering of a puffer fish?

Pufferfish have a unique body covering that is both skin and scales.

Here's a breakdown:

* Skin: Pufferfish have thin, smooth skin that is covered in a layer of mucus. This mucus helps protect them from parasites and allows them to glide through the water with less friction.

* Scales: Unlike most fish, pufferfish have tiny, embedded scales. These scales are not visible to the naked eye and are actually embedded in the skin itself.

It's the combination of these two elements that creates the pufferfish's distinctive skin.

In addition to their skin and scales, pufferfish have the ability to inflate their bodies with water or air, making them appear much larger than their actual size. This defense mechanism is used to deter predators.