Ghost Sharks' Forehead Teeth Aid in Mating
TL;DR
A new study reveals that male spotted ratfish, also known as 'ghost sharks,' grow teeth on a structure called the tenaculum outside their mouths, challenging previous assumptions that teeth are only oral structures. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of dental tissues and highlights the diversity of tooth development in vertebrates.
- 'Ghost sharks' are lurking off the coast of Washington – and they have teeth growing out of their foreheads BBC Wildlife Magazine
- 'Ghost sharks' grow forehead teeth to help them have sex, study suggests Phys.org
- This Gloriously Weird Fish Has Teeth on Its Forehead for Sex Scientific American
- This common fish has an uncommon feature: Forehead teeth, used for mating UW Homepage
- Freaky Ratfish Have Teeth Growing Out Of Their Foreheads, And They Use Them For Love IFLScience
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Read on BBC Wildlife Magazine