What does MMV mean in UNCLASSIFIED

MMV (Mega Mouth Vert) is a term used to describe a wide, vertically oriented mouth found in certain species of fish, particularly those in the anglerfish family. These fish have large, hinged mouths that can open extremely wide, allowing them to swallow prey much larger than their own body size.

The MMV in anglerfish is an adaptation for hunting and feeding. Anglerfish are ambush predators that use their large mouths to capture prey that swims near their lure, a fleshy appendage that dangles in front of their mouths. The MMV allows them to quickly suck in prey, creating a vacuum that helps them swallow their target whole.

Fish with MMV include various species of anglerfish, such as the black seadevil, anglerfish, and sargassum fish. These fish are found in deep-sea environments and have adapted to feed on a wide range of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and even other anglerfish.

MMV is unique in its extreme width and vertical orientation, allowing fish to open their mouths to an unusually large degree. Unlike other fish mouths that are typically used for biting or chewing, the MMV is primarily used for suction feeding, enabling them to swallow large prey whole.

Advantages:**

• Allows for the capture and ingestion of large prey, providing a competitive advantage in deep-sea environments where food is scarce.
• Creates a suction force that helps the fish secure its prey and prevent it from escaping. Disadvantages:
• May limit the fish's ability to feed on smaller prey or prey that requires more precise biting or chewing.
• Can make the fish more vulnerable to predators or parasites that target the large mouth opening.