What dentition characteristic defines the Family Anarhichadidae, where wolf fishes belong?
Answer
Powerful dentition suited for crushing hard-shelled prey
Members of the Family Anarhichadidae, which includes the wolf eel, are characterized by physical traits suited for a benthic predatory lifestyle. Specifically, they possess robust bodies, large heads, and most notably, powerful dentition. This dentition is specifically adapted for an effective diet centered on hard-shelled invertebrates found on the seabed. This includes the crushing of prey items such as crabs and clams, which necessitates strong jaws and robust tooth structures, clearly distinguishing them from families reliant on suction feeding or predation on soft-bodied organisms.
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