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does puffer fish have teeth


Does Puffer Fish Have Teeth?

Puffer fish are becoming increasingly popular for home aquariums, but for many of us, the question remains – does a puffer fish have teeth? The answer is a little more complicated than a simple “Yes” or “No”.

Teeth On A Puffer Fish

Puffer fish actually have four different types of teeth. The first set are called “villiform” teeth and they are located in the median area of the fish’s mouth. These teeth are used to scrape algae and other food particles off rocks and coral. The second set of teeth are called “pad teeth”. These are located on either side of the sucking disc in the fish’s mouth and are used to help the fish grip slipping prey. The third type of teeth are called “maxillary” teeth, and they are located on either side of the fish’s tongue. These teeth are used to cut and chew food. Finally, the fourth type of teeth, called “mandibular” teeth, are located on either side of the fish’s lower jaw. These are used for crushing and grinding food.

A Mouthful Of Bones

While the above types of teeth are present in some fish species and not others, there is one thing that all puffer fish share: their mouths are filled with tiny bones, giving them a rather stony texture. These bones are used by the fish as a form of protection from predators, as they can grind up and digest anything that gets between them. This means that it’s nearly impossible for a puffer fish to be eaten by a predator, since anything that attempts to consume them will just be met with a mouthful of bone.

Conclusion

So, do puffer fish have teeth? The answer is “yes, but not in the way you might think”. Puffer fish do have four different types of teeth, but they are used for scraping, gripping, cutting and grinding food, rather than for eating. Additionally, their mouths are filled with tiny bones, which make them even more difficult to eat.

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