6
$\begingroup$

I was watching a program about Barracuda - they have a front tooth that is supposed to be razor sharp. My kitchen knife goes blunt if I use it for long periods without sharpening. Sharks keep on growing new teeth but barracuda don't.

How do fish like Barracuda maintain a tooth that is razor sharp?

Edit News article on how sharp the tooth is

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1348152/Barracuda-attack-breaks-womans-ribs-forces-boyfriend-seal-punctured-lung-hand.html

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
1
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Added wiki link to your post. Adding links to content improves readability for curious and/or competent users, experts and those reviewing your posts. $\endgroup$ – Tyto alba Jun 15 '17 at 11:56
3
$\begingroup$

Fish replace their teeth over time as needed. Thus, they don't maintain the sharpness of individual tooth, they just replace it. This is a passive process not a conscious process.

Source: Barton, M., & Bond, C. E. (2007). Bond's biology of fishes. Thomson.Pg. 414-415.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ @cup feel free to accept the answer $\endgroup$ – OliverFishCode Jan 12 '19 at 0:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.