Hammerjaw

species of fish

The hammerjaw (Omosudis lowii) is a small deep-sea fish found worldwide in tropical and temperate waters to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) depth. It is the only member of its family, Omosudidae. These creatures are prey of lancetfish and tuna.

Hammerjaw (Omosudis lowii)

Description change

It resembles a small viperfish. The large head is dominated by a massive, truncated lower jaw and large, creepy eyes. The lower jaw has a black chin. Its mouth is quite scary because of its oversized, transparent, and dagger-like teeth; the palatine bones possess 1–4 pairs of slightly smaller teeth.

Life history change

Very little is known of the hammerjaw's life history.

How they swim change

 
Illustration of a hammerjaw

It is inferred from their sporadic capture and sleek morphology that hammerjaws are swift swimmers, which makes them impossible for you to catch.

Diet change

They are carnivorous and feed on squid and others.

Related pages change

References change

  • "Omosudis lowii". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 11 March 2006.
  • Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2005). "Omosudidae" in FishBase. October 2005 version.
  • Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2005). "Omosudis lowii" in FishBase. October 2005 version.
  • McGrouther, M. (2004). Hammerjaw, Omosudis lowei, Australian Museum Online, October 2005 version