Viperfish: Ocean’s terrifying predator with record-breaking teeth

IFLScience presented information about a fish that might be the most unsettling creature living in the ocean depths. It’s about the viperfish (Chauliodus sloani), also known as the demon of the depths – a fish that boasts the largest teeth in proportion to head size in the marine world.

The Guinness World Records confirm that the viperfish's teeth make up more than half the length of its head. A characteristic feature is that they are so long that the tips overlap when the mouth is closed.

Although this may sound terrifying, the viperfish Sloane usually reaches a length of up to 35 centimetres, and its teeth do not exceed 1 centimetre in length. Interestingly, similarly fearsome teeth are also found in another fish of the same genus—the Pacific viperfish (Chauliodus macouni).

Putting aside the terrifying fangs for a moment, it’s worth noting the viperfish's unassuming but equally fascinating features. Its dark silver, iridescent skin hides photophores – small light-emitting organs that help camouflage and attract prey. Moreover, the ability to dislocate its jaw and expand its stomach allows this fish to swallow prey up to 63% of its own length. This is possible due to evolutionary adaptation – this fish can eat approximately every 12 days, making it an effective, though infrequently, hunting predator. Additionally, the structure of its first cervical vertebra acts as a shock absorber when the mouth is closed, allowing for a secure capture and retention of prey.

The viperfish rightly deserves the title of a monster from the depths. Still, its small size and distant habitats mean it remains merely an object of scientific fascination for humans rather than a real threat. Despite its terrifying appearance, this deep-sea creature plays an essential role in the marine ecosystem, highlighting the incredible diversity of life hidden in the darkness of the oceans.