Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
English: Moray eels have two sets of jaws: 1) the oral jaws that capture prey; and 2) the pharyngeal jaws (similar to the jaws of the monster in the movie Alien) that advance into the mouth and move prey from the oral jaws to the oesophagus for swallowing.
Most fish species with pharyngeal teeth do not have extendable pharyngeal jaws. A particularly notable exception is the highly mobile pharyngeal jaw of the moray eels.These are possibly a response to their inability to swallow as other fishes do by creating a negative pressure in the mouth, perhaps induced by their restricted environmental niche (burrows) or in the air in the intertidal zone. [10]
Moray eel jaw anatomy In addition to the presence of pharyngeal jaws, morays' mouth openings extend far back into the head, compared to fish which feed using suction. In the action of lunging at prey and biting down, water flows out the posterior side of the mouth opening, reducing waves in front of the eel which would otherwise displace prey.
The jaws of the Kidako moray, or moray eels in general, hold a dual-jaw system for feeding. [10] They primarily use the oral jaws to deliver prey into the esophagus with sharp and piercing teeth. The teeth are curved backward and point towards its throat to avoid prey coming back out of its mouth. [ 13 ]
This moray eel was recently identified as a natural predator of the lionfish (Pterois miles) in its native habitat in the Red Sea. [9] A mature giant moray has few natural predators, although it may compete for food with reef-dwelling sharks. [10] Cleaner wrasses are commonly found in its presence, cleaning the interior of its mouth.
Many commenters offered guesses, including conger eel, long tail moray and green moray. But Trapman Australia said the creature doesn’t coincide with accepted descriptions for any of those eel ...
Channomuraena vittata is a rare species of moray eel from the Anguiliformes order found in reefs. It is commonly known as the broadbanded moray, banded moray, Chinese moray, double-ended moray, or the long-jawed moray.
A dead moray eel washed ashore near Laguna Niguel over the weekend, creeping out beachgoers. An 'Alien'-like marine creature washed ashore near Laguna Niguel over the weekend Skip to main content