Trout belong to the Salmonidae family, which includes salmon and char. These fish are active predators throughout their lives, and all trout species possess teeth. While often small and not immediately obvious, these specialized tools play a distinct role in their feeding behavior, which is entirely carnivorous from the moment they hatch.
Where Trout Teeth Are Located
Trout teeth are not confined to a single location like the teeth of mammals; instead, they are distributed across multiple surfaces inside the mouth. They are found lining both the upper jaw (maxillary) and the lower jaw (mandible). These jaw teeth are typically small, sharp, and slightly curved backward, helping in the initial capture and puncture of prey during a strike.
A second, less apparent set of teeth is located on the roof of the mouth, known as vomerine and palatine teeth. Trout often have two rows of vomerine teeth, which are sharp and pointed toward the throat. These teeth work in conjunction with the tongue to manipulate and secure food. Additionally, some species, like the Cutthroat Trout, possess small teeth on the base of their tongue, called lingual teeth.
What Trout Use Their Teeth For
The primary function of a trout’s dentition is not to chew or grind food, but solely for gripping and holding slippery prey items to prevent escape. The teeth are recurved, or angled backward toward the throat, essentially functioning like small, barbed hooks. This backward angle makes it nearly impossible for captured prey to slip out once the trout has closed its jaws.
The jaw teeth secure the prey during the initial strike, while the vomerine teeth help to guide the food further into the throat for swallowing. Trout consume a varied diet that includes smaller fish, frogs, crayfish, and large insects. Their dentition is perfectly adapted for a strike-and-swallow feeding strategy, ensuring a successful capture.
Differences Among Trout Species
While all trout have teeth, there are noticeable variations in size and prominence among the different species, largely depending on their typical adult diet. Brown Trout, for example, tend to develop some of the largest and most robust teeth among commonly fished species. These larger teeth are necessary to subdue and hold bigger meals successfully as they transition to eating larger prey like small fish and rodents.
Rainbow Trout also possess jaw and vomerine teeth, but they are often smaller and less pronounced compared to a Brown Trout of similar size. This reflects their more generalized diet of insects, smaller fish, and crustaceans. Brook Trout also have teeth similar to other trout, though they appear smaller relative to the fish’s overall size. Anglers should note that while a trout’s teeth are not large enough to cause a deep bite, they are sharp enough to easily scratch human skin and draw blood, especially on larger specimens.