Fangtooth Fish

Looking like it just swam out of a horror movie is the amazing Fangtooth. Known scientifically as Anoplogaster cornuta, this menacing creature haunts the deep waters of many of the world's oceans. Anoplogaster cornuta is found worldwide in tropical to temperate and subartctic seas, specifically within the range 65°N - 46°S, 180°W - 180°E. 

It is typically reported as a temperate to tropical species, though it has also been documented in the subarctic waters of the Pacific and Western AtlanticThe Fangtooth has a short deep body with a large head and mouth. The body is covered with small prickly scales – Eol.org. The distinct lateral line is an open groove partially covered by scales. There are mucous cavities on the head separated by serrated ridges. As the common name suggests, this fish has very long pointed teeth. The lower jaw fangs slide into pockets in the roof of the mouth when the jaws close. It is known from bathypelagic and mesopelagic depths down to about 5000 m, but is most common between 500 m and 2000 m – Australian Museum.

References :

• Norman, M. (n.d.). Fangtooth, Anoplogaster cornuta (Valenciennes, 1833) - Australian Museum. Fangtooth, Anoplogaster cornuta (Valenciennes, 1833) - Australian Museum. Retrieved August 18, 2014, from http://australianmuseum.net.au/Fangtooth-Anoplogaster-cornuta-Valenciennes-1833

• Descriptions and articles about the Fangtooth (Anoplogaster cornuta) - Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved August 19, 2014, from http://eol.org/pages/994696/details