A Dragonfish's odd anatomy, oversized jaws lined with rows of fanglike teeth, allows it to swallow preys that are much larger. The snake-like sea creature found in the dark depths is only several centimeters long but it can devour sizable creatures by opening its mouth really wide. Scientists have set out to discover what makes this fish able to do so.
Nalani Schnell and Dave Johnson who work at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and in Washington, D.C., respectively, have been examining various preserved specimens of dragonfish. When Schnell and Johnson opened the mouths of the fish, they found that connective tissue stretched out. Specifically, they found soft, flexible joint between the base of the skull and spine.
This dragonfish's odd anatomy might be the reason how this fish can swallow whole crustaceans and lanternfish almost as large as they are. Compared to most fish which have their skulls fused to the backbone, limiting their gape, the dragonfish can pop open its jaw up to 120 degrees due to the soft tissue joint. Researchers have reported their finding recently in PLOS ONE, the Smithsonian Insider reports.
The unusual anatomy gives the deep see creature opportunity for nourishment in deep, dark regions of the ocean where food is scarce. Some of these snake-like fishes "lie-in-wait to ambush predators and do not waste energy swimming around in darkness to find their prey,” explains Dave Johnson. According to the Science News, the razor-sharp, rows of long teeth also play a role in their ability to trap other sea creatures.
The sharp teeth coupled with the functional head-joint also gives them the ability to eat whatever comes along. Johnson adds that dragonfish don't only eat large preys but it is to their advantage to feed on prey that is not common. To sum up, the dragonfish's odd anatomy allows them to survive in harsh conditions where food is limited.
