Photo: Moray Eels Grab Prey With "Alien" Jaws

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


Moray eels have a set of secondary jaws in their throats (above, left), which they can protrude forward into their mouths (right) to catch prey, a new study says.

This long, muscular jaw is unusual among fish species, most of which rely on suction to pull prey into their mouths.

Photograph by Rita Mehta & Candi Stafford

MOST VIEWED NEWS

PICTURES: 2012 Doomsday Myths Debunked

2012: Six End-of-the-World Myths Debunked

APOCALYPSE PICTURES: 10 Failed Doomsday Prophecies
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

50 Drives of a Lifetime

National Geographic Traveler has scoured the globe for the world's most beautiful, interesting, and off-beat road trips. Dive in to get drive directions, quizzes, photos, and more.