When sucking up small prey, many fishes look like they’re
sticking their lips out. This kiss-of-death gesture — actually done by mobile
upper- and lower-jaw bones — dramatically increases the fish’s suction power, researchers
have now found, lowering the prey’s chances of escape.
JAWS Like thousands of other fish species, bluegills feed by sucking small prey in as they extend their upper and lower jaw forward.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.