In these fish, these teeth support the transport of food, which is the main function of the pharyngeal device achieved primarily by the anterior-posterior movement of the hypopharyngeal jaw. The prey is carried from the mouth to the esophagus with little modification.
What is the purpose of the pharyngeal jaw?
When the prey is fixed to the oral jaw of the eel, the jaw of the second tooth behind the skull of the eel (known as the pharyngeal jaw) rushes forward, along approximately the entire length of the skull. Move forward, steal and deliver prey. In the eel's esophagus to swallow.
Do fish have pharyngeal teeth?
In general, fish do not chew food in their mouths like mammals do. However, many strains of fish have well-developed pharyngeal teeth that act to crush food into smaller particles. These fish are considered "pharynx".
Which animal has three rows of pharyngeal teeth?
Modern valves have three rows of pharyngeal teeth, with 5 + 3 + 2 teeth on each side.
Why do fish gills have teeth?
The original selective benefits provided by the jaw were probably not related to feeding, but were related to improved respiratory efficiency. The chin was used to pump water throughout the gills with a cheek pump.
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