A terminal mouth, in fish, refers to the position of the mouth located at the anterior end of the head, pointing straight forward.
Characteristics of Terminal Mouths
Fish possessing a terminal mouth are typically mid-water feeders, meaning they consume food within the water column. Key features include:
- Location: Front of the head.
- Orientation: Points forward.
- Jaw Length: Upper and lower jaws are generally of equal length.
- Feeding Behavior: Predominantly mid-water feeding.
Feeding Advantages
The terminal mouth position is advantageous for capturing prey or feeding on particles that are directly in front of the fish. This allows for efficient feeding in the water column.
Examples
Many common fish species exhibit a terminal mouth, reflecting their feeding habits in the water column.
