Zoarchias major Eelpout Male Mouth Open | Japan

This is a view down the throat of a male Zoarchias major eelpout that has opened its mouth during a confrontation with another male. When the males square off with one another, the size of each male’s mouth plays a role in establishing dominance. It may be possible that the pattern inside the mouth is used for displays, threats and other communication as well. Deep inside the throat are teethlike structures facing toward the rear, quite likely serving to make escape difficult for prey.

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Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 7262x4841 / 100.6MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Bony Fish Eelpout Animalia Chordata Osteichthyes Actinopterygii Perciformes Zoarcidae Neozoarcinae Zoarchias major Ookazunagi オオカズナギ Open Mouth Fighting Reproduction Pacific Japan Yamaguchi Prefecture
Contained in galleries: Say Ahhhhh!, Fish Photos, Marine Life | Japan

This is a view down the throat of a male Zoarchias major eelpout that has opened its mouth during a confrontation with another male. When the males square off with one another, the size of each male’s mouth plays a role in establishing dominance. It may be possible that the pattern inside the mouth is used for displays, threats and other communication as well. Deep inside the throat are teethlike structures facing toward the rear, quite likely serving to make escape difficult for prey.