Walleye are popular freshwater fish, and a common question about them concerns their teeth. They do possess a distinct set of teeth, fundamental to their survival and predatory lifestyle within aquatic environments.
Walleye’s Predatory Grin
Walleye are active predators, and their teeth are a primary tool for securing prey. They use their dentition to grasp and hold slippery fish, which constitute a large part of their diet, along with crustaceans and insects. Walleye have adapted to ambush prey, often lurking in low-light conditions thanks to their specialized vision, and their teeth are well-suited for this hunting strategy.
Their mouths are equipped to capture and manipulate various food items. The teeth allow them to firmly grip struggling prey, preventing escape once captured.
Anatomy of Their Bite
Walleye possess a diverse array of teeth, each with a specific function in their feeding process. Most prominent are the sharp, conical canine teeth located in their lower jaw, which resemble fangs. These canines are designed for grasping and puncturing prey, acting like strong anchors to secure a catch. Some canines can reach up to half an inch in length in mature fish.
Smaller, needle-like teeth are present on the upper jaw, specifically on the maxillaries and premaxillaries. Walleye also have teeth on the vomer (a bone in the roof of the mouth) and palatines (bones on the sides of the roof of the mouth). These smaller teeth work with the canines to manipulate prey, ensuring it is held firmly and processed for swallowing, often headfirst.
Understanding and Handling Walleye Teeth
An adult walleye has between 30 and 50 teeth. Walleye teeth are composed of dentine, which forms the main body of the tooth, and an outer layer of enamel, similar to human teeth. These teeth are not permanent; walleye continuously replace them throughout their lives, ensuring their dental arsenal remains functional despite wear and tear from hunting.
While walleye teeth are sharp and can cause minor cuts or puncture wounds if mishandled, they are not as razor-sharp as those of other predatory fish like pike. Walleye are not aggressive towards humans and do not intentionally bite; injuries usually occur during handling, particularly when removing hooks. To safely handle a walleye, wet your hands to protect the fish’s slime coat, support its body, and avoid placing fingers directly inside its mouth. Tools such as long-nosed pliers or fish grips can be used to safely remove hooks and minimize the risk of injury.