Common fangtooth
Anoplogaster cornuta
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Fishes
- Ecosystem
- Deep sea
- Relatives
- Other fishes (no close relatives known yet)
- Diet
- Fish, crustaceans and cephalopods
- Range
- Tropical and temperate seas worldwide at depths between 1,640 and 6,561 feet (500–2,000 m)
- Size
- Up to 6 inches (15.2 cm) long
Meet the common fangtooth
One look at a common fangtooth and it's easy to see how this fish got its name. Like many deep sea fishes, a common fangtooth has large, sharp teeth for capturing food that comes its way.
Natural history
When a fish or shrimp swims nearby, a common fangtooth simply opens its big mouth and sucks the animal inside. Animals caught in its trap have little chance of wriggling free.
Conservation
The deep sea may seem remote, but what we send down will eventually cycle back up into our lives. Deep-sea animals are part of a thriving ecosystem. Our trash and chemicals may harm them if we are careless with our waste.
Cool facts
- Young fangtooths have a single row of teeth; adults have ferocious-looking fangs.
Up next in deep sea
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Spotted ratfish
This fish has smooth skin, a rabbit-like face, and a mouth with plate-like grinding teeth.
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