Chiasmodontidae

/ˌkaɪ.æz.məˈdɑːn.tɪ.di/ noun

Definition

a family of small deep-sea fish characterized by hinged skulls, fang-like teeth, and the ability to swallow prey much larger than themselves.

Etymology

From the genus Chiasmodon with the taxonomic suffix -idae, which denotes a family-level classification in scientific nomenclature.

Kelly Says

The Chiasmodontidae family shows how evolution optimized deep-sea hunting—in the darkness where food is scarce, a hinged jaw that swallows anything means you never have to say no to a meal!

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