Are you wondering whether do fish have teeth or not? Here we are trying to solve your confusion and trying to answer whether do fish have teeth or not. We recommend reading this full article. By the way, if you don’t have enough time to read the full article, then the short answer is YES fish have teeth.
Do Fish Have Teeth?
Fish have teeth that vary from species to species. Some fish species have numerous teeth and some fish do not have teeth at all. Those fish which have teeth have different shaped and positioned teeth.
Some fish have teeth on their palate, while others have on both jaws, some teeth are on their vomer, others on the bones of the pharynx. Shape of the fish teeth is usually conical. But the hunting fish species have sharp, resembling to canines teeth.
Where do you find teeth in fish?
Not all the fish species have teeth in same location. So depending on the species, teeth can be found in the lips, mouth, upper and lower jaws, tongue, and pharynx/throat.
Types of fish teeth
Depending upon the fish species and fish type, each fish has specific type of teeth. Here we are trying to describe about each individual type.
Carnivorous fish
Carnivorous fish are type of fish that eat other animals, like piranhas, sharks, or groupers. They typically have sharp, pointed teeth which are designed for grasping, tearing, or cutting through flesh. These teeth are often arranged in rows. Piranhas have sharp, triangular teeth, while the sharks have multiple rows of sharp, serrated teeth.
Herbivorous fish
The fish species which are fed on plant material are called herbivorous fish. Some examples are parrotfish and surgeonfish. These fish have flat, grinding teeth, and their teeth are adapted to crush and grind plant material, such as algae or coral.
Omnivorous fish
Fish that eat both plants and animals are called omnivorous fish species. Some omnivorous fish species are bass or trout. These fish may have teeth for grabbing and holding onto prey but are not as specialized as those of carnivorous fish.
Specialized teeth
Certain fish species have pharyngeal teeth. This type of fish are located in the throat and help with crushing prey or grinding food. For example, catfish have these specialized teeth.
Tooth structure
Fish teeth are often sharp, conical, or flat. And many fish species will shed and replace their teeth regularly throughout their lives (especially in species like sharks or piranhas).
How did teeth initially develop?
Teeth are originally thought to have developed from scales covering the lips (based on living sharks). This is because the individual placoid scales on the sharks can be seen visibly grading into teeth on the jaws.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
People often ask several questions regarding whether do fish have teeth or not. Here we are trying to list the most common and frequently asked questions about this and trying to answer them. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions.
Do betta fish have teeth?
Yes, betta fish have small, and sharp teeth located in the back of their mouths.
Do fighting fish have teeth?
Yes, fighting fish have teeth. They use their teeth for grabbing food and fighting with males during territorial disputes.
Do all fish have teeth?
No, not all the fish are same in structure and not all of them have teeth. Some fish species have teeth, and some don’t have any teeth.
Do koi fish have teeth?
Yes, koi fish have small teeth which are not very visible.
Do puffer fish have teeth?
Yes, puffer fish also have teeth. And their teeth are very strong and sharp and they are able to break open shells of crustaceans, snails, and other hard-shelled prey.
Do sturgeon fish have teeth?
The sturgeon fish do not have teeth. Rather, they have a tough, hard “mouth plate” that they use to scrape food off the bottom of rivers and lakes such as small invertebrates and plant material.
Do Oscar fish have teeth?
Yes, Oscar fish have sharp and pointed teeth. They use their teeth to catch and eat live prey, such as small fish and insects.
Do tuna fish have teeth?
Yes, tuna fish also have teeth. Although, teeth of the tuna fish are not as sharp as those of predatory fish like sharks. Rather, their teeth are small, and sharp.
