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Morphological evidence for the biological role of caniniform teeth in combtooth blennies (Blenniidae, Teleostei)
Author(s) -
Kotrschal K.,
Goldschmid A.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1992.tb02725.x
Subject(s) - biology , interspecific competition , agonistic behaviour , zoology , predation , paternal care , predator , teleostei , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , aggression , fishery , psychology , genetics , psychiatry , offspring , pregnancy
Combtooth blennies have recurved, fang‐like caniniform teeth at the rear end of a single row of incisiform teeth. The lengths and positions of these canines were measured in the lower jaws of males of 14 species of Mediterranean Blenniidae. In four species, lower jaw canines were measured in males and females, while in one species, the upper jaw canines of both sexes were also measured. Relative (to body length) canine length in males tends to be significantly greater (10–40%) than in females. There are significant interspecific differences in relative canine length, with smaller species tending to have relatively larger teeth. No significant correlation was obtained between canine length and importance of animal prey in the diet, nor with ‘hole fit’ of males, which may be related with the intensity of paternal care. We suggest that canines in combtooth blennies are predominately used for predator deterrence and agonistic interactions.