Hammerjaw

Hammerjaw (Omosudis lowii)

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.

Description

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

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

How they swim

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

They are carnivorous and feed on squid and others.

Related pages

• European eel
• Cyprinodontiformes
• Freshwater fish
• Evolution of fish

References

• "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