Cephalopod dermal structures

Mantle of Lepidoteuthis grimaldii with the end of the dermal scales indicated by an arrow. A closeup of the scales is shown on the right. This was the first cephalopod species whose dermal structures were studied in detail.

Cephalopods exhibit various dermal structures on their mantles and other parts. These may take the form of conspicuous warts, cushions, papillae or scales, though in many species they are microscopic tubercles. The most elaborate forms are found among the oceanic squid of the order Teuthida, with some of these species being dubbed the scaled squid.