Did you know there's a sea creature that uses its tongue as bait to catch fish?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nibles
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on sea creatures that utilize tongue-like appendages as bait to attract prey. Notably, the alligator snapping turtle employs this strategy effectively. Additionally, certain rockfish species and frogfish, which are relatives of the anglerfish, also exhibit similar behaviors, using their appendages to lure fish. These adaptations highlight the diverse hunting techniques in marine life.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of marine biology concepts
  • Familiarity with the anatomy of alligator snapping turtles
  • Knowledge of anglerfish and their relatives
  • Basic awareness of predator-prey dynamics in aquatic ecosystems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the hunting mechanisms of alligator snapping turtles
  • Explore the various species of rockfish and their behaviors
  • Study the adaptations of frogfish and their ecological roles
  • Investigate the evolutionary significance of baiting strategies in marine predators
USEFUL FOR

Marine biologists, ecologists, and anyone interested in the unique adaptations of aquatic predators will benefit from this discussion.

Nibles
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
There is a sea creature (a clam or fish or something) that has a tongue like appendage that it uses for bait, and when the fish approach it it gets eaten.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Originally posted by Nibles
There is a sea creature (a clam or fish or something) that has a tongue like appendage that it uses for bait, and when the fish approach it it gets eaten.

Alligator snapping turtles do that. I believe there is also a type of rockfish, but I can't recall the name. These actually use their tongue as bait.

There are others (now that I re-read your post) that have "tongue-like appendages" which they use much like a deep-water angler fish. Frogfish in the tropics are relatives of the angler, but have a pink, wriggly bit like a worm in place of the angler's bioluminescent globe.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 103 ·
4
Replies
103
Views
15K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
15K