Replacement of teeth in Pacific Lingcod – 20 teeth per day!

Washington, Nov 6: The Pacific Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) is a carnivorous fish. It is also known as the buffalo cod or cultus cod. The fish grows up to 5 feet and weighs around 36 kg. The fish’s jaw supports 500 sharp, needle-like teeth in multiple rows which helps to crush their prey like squids and hard-shelled crabs. A recent study by the researchers of the University of Washington has found out that they replace about 3% of their teeth daily. This roughly amounts to about 20 teeth per day. The new teeth that replace the old ones grow quickly. As a result, most of the teeth fall out before they have the chance to become dull. Researchers assessed 10,000 teeth in 20 fish using a fluorescent technique called pulse-chase. They put the fish in a tank with a red dye solution for 12 hours to let the teeth absorb the dye. The fish was then transferred to another tank with saline water for 10 days. Thereafter, it was moved to a tank containing green dye. Consequently, the researchers were able to distinguish the old teeth from the new by the dye colour in their teeth by observing them through fluorescent microscope. The researchers feel that this teeth replacement help to maintain their teeth sharp.