Sand eels, also known as sand lance or sand launce, are fascinating creatures that inhabit the sandy bottoms of oceans and seas. When it comes to their dental structure, sand eels do not possess any teeth. However, they have a unique adaptation that allows them to feed on their preferred diet of plankton and fish eggs.
Instead of teeth, sand eels have a long, slender body and a protruding lower jaw. This lower jaw acts as a specialized tool for scooping up their food from the water. The jaw is elongated and extends further than the upper jaw, creating a distinctive appearance. This adaptation enables the sand eel to efficiently capture its prey without the need for teeth.
Sand eels primarily feed on plankton, which are microscopic organisms that float in the water column. Plankton serves as a vital source of nutrition for many marine species, and sand eels are no exception. They filter out these tiny organisms by sweeping their protruding lower jaw through the water. This action allows them to collect and consume large amounts of plankton in one pass.
In addition to plankton, sand eels also consume fish eggs, including their own offspring. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is an important part of their reproductive strategy. Sand eels are known to lay their eggs in the sand, where they are left unguarded. By consuming their own eggs, sand eels prevent overcrowding and competition for resources, ensuring the survival of the strongest offspring.
Sand eels are highly social creatures and often travel in large schools comprising thousands of individuals. This behavior provides them with protection against predators and increases their chances of finding abundant food sources. Schools of sand eels can be seen shimmering and darting through the water in synchronized movements, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Sand eels do not possess teeth but rely on their protruding lower jaw to scoop up plankton and fish eggs. Their unique adaptation allows them to efficiently feed on their preferred diet without the need for teeth. The behavior of sand eels, such as traveling in large schools, adds to their fascinating nature.