What is the specialized purpose of the snook's small, rasping teeth in its predatory toolkit?
Answer
Immobilization and retention through friction
The dental apparatus of the common snook is highly specialized, not for tearing or shearing large prey, but rather for ensuring that captured food cannot escape. The small, rough, rasp-like teeth function primarily to create a high-friction environment inside the mouth. This allows the fish to effectively immobilize and retain its target—which often includes small, slippery fish or hard-shelled crustaceans—once the initial strike is made. This mechanism acts less like a cutter and more like a powerful, abrasive clamp designed specifically for holding fast under dynamic conditions.
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