Largemouth bass, a highly sought-after freshwater game fish, are known for their powerful strikes and acrobatic fights. Anglers often wonder about the specific anatomy of these fish, particularly regarding their mouth structure. A common question that arises is whether largemouth bass possess teeth. Understanding the unique characteristics of their mouth helps clarify their feeding behaviors and provides insight into safe handling practices for both the fish and the angler.
The Nature of Their “Teeth”
Largemouth bass do have teeth, though they are quite different from the sharp, pointed teeth found in mammals or sharks. Instead, their teeth are numerous, small, and often described as feeling like sandpaper or a rough scrub brush. These tiny, recurved structures are angled backward, helping them to grip prey. These teeth are not just on the visible jaws; they cover various surfaces inside the mouth, including the roof of the mouth and the tongue.
Specifically, largemouth bass possess two main types of teeth: vomerine teeth and pharyngeal teeth. Vomerine teeth are small and sharp, located on the roof of the bass’s mouth. Further back in the throat are the pharyngeal teeth, which are larger and more numerous. These pharyngeal teeth are arranged in rows on each side of the throat.
Purpose of Largemouth Bass Dentition
The unique dentition of the largemouth bass serves a specific function related to their feeding strategy. These teeth are designed primarily for gripping and holding prey securely once it has been captured, preventing it from escaping. Unlike predators that chew or tear their food, largemouth bass are known for engulfing their prey whole. The small, backward-angled vomerine teeth provide a firm grip on slippery prey, ensuring it does not wriggle free.
Once prey is secured, the pharyngeal teeth located in the back of the throat play a role in processing the food. These teeth are used to crush and grind prey, such as the exoskeletons of crayfish, before it is swallowed. This combination of gripping and crushing teeth, along with their large, expandable mouth, allows largemouth bass to efficiently consume a wide variety of food items, including fish and frogs. Their jaw is hinged in a way that allows them to open their mouth wide, creating a vacuum effect to quickly inhale prey.
Safe Handling Practices
Given the unique mouth structure of largemouth bass, anglers should follow specific practices to ensure both their safety and the well-being of the fish. While the sandpaper-like texture of their teeth is unlikely to cause deep cuts, it can abrade the skin, leading to a condition commonly known as “bass thumb.” Anglers can minimize this by wetting their hands before handling the fish, which also helps protect the fish’s protective slime coat.
The “lip grip” technique, where the thumb is placed inside the fish’s lower jaw and the fingers on the outside, is a common and generally safe way to control a largemouth bass. For larger bass, supporting the fish’s body with a second hand is important to avoid stressing or dislocating its jaw. Minimizing the time the fish spends out of water and practicing quick, gentle release methods further promotes their survival.