When the Sling Jaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator) strikes its prey it does so with incredible force and reach. As it’s name suggests, the jaw lurches forward creating a low pressure zone which quickly sucks up the prey and forces it into the buccal cavity–or mouth. This type of suction feeding can be seen in many [...]
When the Sling Jaw Wrasse (Epibulus insidiator) strikes its prey it does so with incredible force and reach. As it’s name suggests, the jaw lurches forward creating a low pressure zone which quickly sucks up the prey and forces it into the buccal cavity–or mouth. This type of suction feeding can be seen in many fish, but very few exhibit it as dramatically as E. insidiator. Wainwright labs has spectacularly captured this suction feeding in high speed film.
Interestingly, scientists have found that fish with smaller aperture mouth (opening) generally exhibit a higher velocity feeding response than those with larger mouths. See how the Sling Jaw Wrasse compares to other freshwater and saltwater species in Wainwright’s additional feeding videos.
