Tip of the Day – 9/17/2010

Like a scene from Aliens, moray eels have a second set of jaws that stays retracted within its throat. These pharyngeal jaws don’t shoot out like those in the alien movies, but they aid in capturing food for the fish. Since eels cannot create suction force with their mouths like other fish, the pharyngeal jaws are thrust forward to tear flesh from whatever is caught in its mouth. Eel keepers will never see this feature on their pets, but they are something to be weary of if you plan on doing any feeding by hand.