How to Recognize a Fangtooth

Many animals are now being discovered that seem like throwbacks to ancient creatures that first roamed the earth and swam in oceans. Scientists often find direct links between modern day species and their primeval ancestors. This research often reveals interesting and helpful facts about our earth and its biology. Keep up with current species if you're an outdoor enthusiast, and if you scuba dive, learn to recognize a fangtooth.

Instructions

    • 1

      Know that the Fangtooth, like other deep water fish, is especially adapted to living in conditions of high pressure and low light. A Fangtooth is a scary-looking fish with huge fangs and big eyes. Don't worry, it doesn't attack humans.

    • 2

      Note the mouth. Tthe Fangtooth has the largest teeth of any fish its size. With powerful muscles and an aggressive hunting style, it can catch, stab and devour fish more than twice its size. Check out a Fangtooth capturing food via "YouTube." Its teeth are so big that it can't close its mouth completely. Those fangs pass on the sides of its brain into sheaths through the mouth's roof.

    • 3

      Recognize the fish by its size. A fangtooth, a.k.a. Anoplogaster cornuta, will only grows to the size of an average human hand and it is kin to the Redfish and Orange Roughy. You'll find this round or an elongated fish in oceans around the world.

    • 4

      Study this fish and recognize a Fangtooth as one of the hardiest creatures in the ocean. This creature has been around for thousands of years. Consider its ancient look and strangeness to be attributes for its survival. Compare the Fangtooth to other strange but interesting deep sea fish, such as the Batfish and the Red Prawn.