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Published online 5 September 2007 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news070903-11
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Eels imitate Alien
Fearsome fish have protruding jaws in their throats to grab prey.
Researchers studying one species of moray eels have uncovered a deadly secret that helps the snake-like fish to swallow their prey. Like the fearsome extraterrestrial from the sci-fi horror classic Alien, these real-life beasts have a second, extendable pair of jaws — encrusted with sharp teeth — that thrusts forward to ensnare hapless fish and shrimp.
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