Hammerjaw (Omosudis lowii), Gulf of Mexico

A Hammerjaw (Omosudis lowii) peers out after a meal consisting of a squid larger in size than than it is. Like so many deep water fishes, Hammerjaws have expandable stomachs and jaws that open to extraordinarily wide angles. The combination allows these tenacious predators to consume prey even larger than they are. In this case, the lining of the body of the Hammerjaw is stretched so tight that the squid can be clearly observed through its side. All of this is part of the DEEPEND-RESTORE Project (www.deependconsortium.org). All the work has been done out on the RV Point Sur with an amazing captain and crew. A big thanks to CSA and Gray Lawson for management of the MOCNESS system. My participation is by way of the Center for Conservation & Research, San Antonio Zoo.