One of the most striking characteristics of the sheepshead fish is its teeth, which are amazingly similar to those we have in our mouths!
The anterior (front side) teeth of the sheepshead are incisor-like, while the posterior (backside) molar teeth are set further back. Sharp and thick teeth begin to appear when a sheepshead fish is just 4.5 mm long, and as soon as the fish becomes about 15 mm long, all incisors appear. At the same time, its rear teeth develop into adult molars.
There are two rows of molars on the lower jaw and three rows on the upper jaw. This heavy dentition allows sheepshead fish to crush and grind the shelled creatures that these fish prefer to feed on.
Sheepshead fish are omnivores and thus have a highly diverse diet. They can devour almost any kind of organic material found in the sea. These diverse feeders are known to consume small vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant material. Some studies have shown that they feed on over 100 different species!
Many studies suggest that sheepshead plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the oceans, particularly in regulating fauna on hard surfaces underwater, such as immobile barnacles or species that crawl or swim near the surface. Due to their predilection to consume species in abundance, sheepshead fish provide a key service, preserving the biodiversity of the water body.
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