The redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) is a popular coastal fish that possesses dentition unlike the sharp teeth found in many predatory species. The direct answer to whether redfish have teeth is yes, but they are highly specialized and not located where most people might anticipate. While the fish’s mouth appears mostly toothless, they are equipped with a complex dental system perfectly adapted to their bottom-feeding lifestyle. Their unique anatomy involves two distinct sets of teeth that perform different functions in the feeding process.
The Unique Dentition of Redfish
The dentition of the redfish is characterized by a two-part system, with the most formidable teeth hidden from view in the throat. The teeth in the front of the jaw, which are visible, are small and brush-like. These short teeth are designed primarily for grasping and holding prey items, not for tearing or slicing. Much more substantial teeth are located deep within the pharynx, behind the last set of gill arches, giving the redfish a secondary set of jaws. These specialized pharyngeal teeth are heavy, thick, and molar-like, forming powerful grinding plates. This internal arrangement is particularly pronounced in members of the drum family (Sciaenidae) because of their diet.
How Teeth Relate to the Redfish Diet
The anatomy of the redfish’s teeth is directly tied to its diet of hard-shelled organisms found on the seafloor. Redfish are bottom feeders, and their mouth is positioned slightly inferiorly to allow for efficient foraging in the substrate. Their diet consists mainly of hard-shelled invertebrates, such as crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. The small, brush-like jaw teeth function to secure and manipulate this prey, directing it toward the back of the throat. Once the hard-shelled food reaches the pharynx, the heavy, molar-like crushing plates engage. These powerful internal jaws break down the tough exoskeletons of crabs and the shells of mollusks before the material is swallowed. This mechanism allows the redfish to utilize a food source that is inaccessible to fish with only sharp, cutting teeth.
Safe Handling for Anglers
Because the redfish’s most powerful teeth are internal crushing plates, they pose very little risk of biting or cutting an angler. The primary hazards when handling a redfish come from their bony fins and gill plates. The dorsal fin and gill covers contain sharp, rigid spines that can cause punctures or lacerations if the fish is handled carelessly.
To ensure safety for both the fish and the angler, grasp the redfish firmly by the lower jaw or the base of the tail. Support the belly, especially with larger specimens.
Anglers should avoid placing fingers near the gill openings, as the sharp edges of the gill plate can cause injury. Always handle the fish quickly with wet hands to protect the slime layer, and return it to the water swiftly if planning a release.