The most recent specimen was caught in North Carolina to the amazement of fishermen. The scientific name is Archosargus probatocephalus, but it is also known as sheepshead fish.
In the nets of fishermen at Jenette’s Pier in North Carolina, to the amazement of those present, a particular fish with human-like teeth was caught. It is the Archosargus probatocephalus, more commonly known as sheepshead fish or prison fish because of the dark stripes that run down the body and that remind the prisoners’ overalls. This species is actually typical of the Atlantic coast, but it marvels at the teeth it needs for its particular diet of oysters, clams and crustaceans.
The fish with teeth like humans
The Sheephead, or Sheephead, can grow up to 91 centimeters long and, like humans, has an omnivorous diet. An adult specimen typically sports three rows of molars in its upper jaw and two rows in its lower jaw in order to better crunch the shells of its prey. According to Scientific American, the fish’s incisors (front teeth) are the ones that look the most like ours and are even covered in enamel. All of these teeth develop gradually over the life of the fish, as the animal grows and transitions from a diet of mostly soft-bodied animals to a menu richer in crustaceans.
But could sheepshead pose a threat to humans? According to David Catania, the collections manager for ichthyology at the California Academy of Sciences, the answer is no. “I wouldn’t hesitate to swim in waters inhabited by this type of fish,” Catania said. Sheephead are not dangerous to people unless they are harassed. The characteristics of this species resemble those of a bream and would also be good to eat. The specimen caught in North Carolina weighed about four pounds and had 32 teeth. Archosargus probatocephalus belongs to the Sparidae family and lives mainly in estuaries, but also frequents rocky bottoms.
But it is not the only species with teeth similar to those of humans. In the area of Papua New Guinea, for example, lives the Pacu fish, originally from the Amazon River, which can weigh up to 55 kilos, has 32 teeth and can attack other animals and even people. In the category of the singularities of the marine fauna, there are also the Mormyridae, freshwater fishes able to communicate with each other almost as if they were human beings.
Stefania Bernadini