Pharyngeal jaws are a "second set" of jaws contained within an animal's throat, or pharynx, distinct from the primary or oral jaws. They are believed to have originated as modified gill arches, in much the same way as oral jaws.

Studies of moray eel jaws remind us that science is progressive, and sometimes moves one step forward and two steps back. The more than 200 species of moray eels that offer a wealth of opportunities for further research.

Moray eels have two sets of jaws, the oral jaws, which are used to capture and hold onto prey, and the pharyngeal jaws, which are located in the back of their throat and are used to pull prey down into their digestive system.

Apr 18, 2025 · Morays also possess pharyngeal jaws — a second set of jaws within their throat that can reach forward to grip slippery prey like fish and crustaceans. Combined with large teeth and powerful upper jaws, this makes them skilled predators in shallow water environments. Because of the risk of ciguatera poisoning, moray eel meat is generally not consumed by …

6 days ago · Gulper eels are found deep underwater with little known information about them. Watch this video of a gulper eel ballooning its jaw!

Mar 2, 2025 · Yes, snowflake moray eels and most other bony fish have a secondary set of jaws called pharyngeal jaws, situated behind the pharynx. These jaws assist with processing and moving food towards the esophagus.

Moray eels have two sets of jaws, the primary jaw, and the pharyngeal jaw, which is located in the throat. These jaws work together to help the eel grip and swallow prey, which can be up to twice their size.

Jun 28, 2021 · Despite its limbless form, the snowflake moray eel has evolved a competitive advantage over other ocean predators with its highly mobile pharyngeal jaws and ability to consume food from terrestrial niches.

This illustration provides insight into the pharyngeal jaws of the moray eel. Primarily, it demonstrates how a moray eel uses pharyngeal jaws to capture prey and, secondarily, how this unique morphology evolved from a primitive structure shared by all vertebrates.

Aug 7, 2022 · In our planet’s tropical oceans, moray eels use a ballistic set of second jaws to catch their prey. These ‘pharyngeal jaws’ are housed in the eel’s throat.