❓ why
Why do moray eels have two sets of jaws?
AnimalsFish Anatomy
Quick Answer
Moray eels use a second set of pharyngeal jaws to pull prey deeper into the throat after the main jaws grab it. This helps them swallow slippery fish and crustaceans.
The Full Story
Moray eels are famous for having a specialized second set of jaws in the throat, called pharyngeal jaws. After the outer jaws seize prey, the pharyngeal jaws move forward to grasp and transport the meal back into the esophagus. This adaptation helps morays handle prey that is large, slippery, or struggling. It is an unusual feature that became widely known through scientific studies and popular culture. The system is one of the clearest examples of a feeding adaptation in fishes.
Key Facts
1.Morays have pharyngeal jaws
2.The second jaws help move prey backward
3.They hunt fish and crustaceans
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The eel with a second set of jaws hidden in its throat"