The frilled shark, Chlamydoselachus anguineus, is a rare deep-sea creature, often called a “living fossil” due to its primitive traits unchanged for millions of years. Its unusual, eel-like body and distinctive appearance set it apart. This mysterious inhabitant’s unique dental structure is a specialized adaptation, hinting at a remarkable feeding strategy tailored to its challenging environment.
Unique Characteristics of Frilled Shark Teeth
The frilled shark’s mouth contains about 300 distinctively shaped teeth. Each is slender, needle-like, with three pointed cusps, giving it a trident or three-pronged appearance. These sharp teeth angle backward, curving towards the throat.
These specialized teeth are organized in multiple rows. The upper jaw can have between 19 and 28 rows, while the lower jaw typically has 21 to 29 rows. This arrangement creates a dense, overlapping field of backward-pointing spikes. The teeth are also widely spaced, aiding in grasping prey.
The sheer number and specific orientation of these teeth form a formidable internal structure. Tiny cusplets sometimes alternate with the tricuspid teeth, further enhancing the shark’s grip. The contrasting white color of the teeth against the shark’s dark body may serve as a lure for prey in the dimly lit deep-sea.
How Frilled Sharks Use Their Teeth for Hunting
The unique structure of the frilled shark’s teeth is adapted for its deep-sea hunting strategy. Its diet primarily consists of soft-bodied, slippery prey, such as squid, other cephalopods, and smaller bony fish. The needle-like, backward-pointing teeth are designed not for tearing or crushing, but for snagging and holding onto this prey.
When hunting, the frilled shark strikes at its prey with a snake-like lunge. Its long, flexible jaws allow it to open its mouth wide, enabling it to engulf prey that can be more than half its own body size. Once a prey item is inside the mouth, the backward-curving teeth act like a trap, making escape difficult.
The numerous rows of teeth provide a secure grip on slippery prey. The teeth effectively prevent prey from backing out of the mouth, forcing it deeper into the shark’s gullet. This specialized dental design, combined with the shark’s ability to swallow prey whole, efficiently secures meals in its deep-water habitat.