Abstract
The present investigation aimed to document and analyze the diversity of scale characteristics in three Nemipterus species; N. zysron (12.2-18.5 cm SL), N. randalli (13-18 cm SL), and N. japonicus (8.5-17.2 cm SL) collected from the Egyptian Red Sea near Hurghada. Assessing interspecific differences in scale morphology, geometry, and morphometry provides valuable insights for taxonomy and stock identification. The results revealed pronounced interspecific variations in scale geometry, morphometrics, and radii meristics, particularly with respect to overall shape and size. Detailed structural features and surface ornamentation were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Notable differences were observed in surface morphology, interradial and intercircular grooves, interradial tongues and circuli, denticles, inner and outer lateral circuli and caudal field segmentation and granulation pattern. The observed variation in scale form among the three species underscores the potential utility of scale morphology in stock discrimination. Collectively, these findings contribute to improved species differentiation and offer a valuable tool for fisheries management and taxonomic assessment.