Chiasmodontid

/ˌkaɪ.æz.məˈdɑːn.tɪd/ noun

Definition

any fish belonging to the family Chiasmodontidae, small deep-sea predators with hinged skulls and prominent fangs.

Etymology

From Chiasmodon (the genus name) with the suffix -id, indicating membership in a family or group of related organisms.

Kelly Says

Chiasmodontid fish are named after their crossed teeth, but their real superpower is their unhinged skulls—literally, their jaws can dislocate sideways, not just up and down!

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