Nature’s Most Extraordinary Fanged Animals

Quick Take

• One animal on this list grows fangs that literally pierce through its own skull, a phenomenon that scientists still aren't sure how to explain. See the skull-piercing fangs →
• Vampire bats don't actually feed the way most people think they do. Discover how they really feed →
• One creature on this list hides a second set of jaws inside its body, ready to strike when the first set isn't enough. Meet the double-jawed predator →
• The smallest fanged animal here is also one of the most cunning, relying on disguise to pull off its attack. See the master of disguise →

Fangs are synonymous with intimidating creatures of the night and fearsome predators. However, these sharp, projecting teeth have evolved in a variety of animals, including plenty of surprising species like deer, fish, pigs, and even bats. Some are used to catch prey, others deliver shots of venom, and some are mainly used to compete with rivals come mating season. Regardless of their purpose, these vampire-like teeth are fascinating adaptations in the wild. Here are eight animals with some of the most remarkable fangs on Earth. 

1. Chinese Water Deer

The Chinese water deer is nicknamed the “vampire deer” because males grow long tusk-like teeth instead of antlers. They can be quite intimidating, reaching nearly two inches in length. Much like antlers, males use them as weapons in territorial battles and during the breeding season. These long-toothed mammals are one of the strangest-looking members of the deer family.

2. Clouded Leopard

The clouded leopard has the largest canine teeth relative to head size of any living cat. Its fangs are so impressive that scientists compare them to those of extinct saber-toothed cats. These teeth help it hold tightly onto prey in the forests of Southeast Asia. While these sharp teeth are intimidating, their beautiful coat with cloud-shaped markings is rather elegant. This feline is ultimately both gorgeous and fierce.

3. Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon viper holds the record for the longest fangs of any venomous snake. Some can measure more than two inches in length. These needle-like teeth fold backward when not in use, swiftly moving into attack position during a strike. Through these fangs, the snake can inject powerful venom into its prey. The size of these fangs alone makes them some of the most impressive in the animal kingdom.

4. Walrus

A walrus’s famous tusks are actually elongated canine teeth. Both males and females have them, although males tend to grow larger tusks. These giant teeth are used for a multitude of purposes: defense, social displays, and even pulling the heavy animals onto ice. Amazingly, some tusks can exceed three feet in length. They rank among the largest teeth found in any species.

5. Vampire Bat

Unlike most fang-sporting animals, vampire bats actually use their teeth to bite into animals and feed on blood, which makes up the entirety of their diet. Their razor-sharp incisors are not meant to tear into victims; instead, they make small cuts in the skin of sleeping animals. The bats then lick up the blood rather than sucking it. Their saliva has special compounds that encourage the blood to keep flowing. Their highly unusual feeding strategy sets them apart from most other animals.

6. Babirusa

The babirusa may win the award for strangest fangs on Earth. The wild pig’s upper teeth grow upward through the snout and curve back to face the forehead. Adding to the bizarre appearance, the lower canines curve upward too. Scientists aren’t sure of the reason behind these extremely unusual teeth, but they believe the fangs play a part in mating displays and competition between rival males. Regardless of their purpose, they look almost too weird to be real.

7. Moray Eel

Moray eels are famous for their downright frightening appearance, featuring mouths lined with sharp fang-like teeth. Some species even have another set of jaws hidden deep inside their pharynx, which sounds too eerie to be real! These inner jaws jut forward to grab prey and drag it deeper into the eel’s mouth. This second set of fearsome jaws makes moray eels look like sci-fi monsters. Their feeding mechanism is one of the most extraordinary in the animal kingdom.

8. Saber-Toothed Blenny

This small reef fish proves that fangs don’t only belong to large animals. The aptly named saber-toothed blenny has oversized canine teeth that it uses to tug at scales and tissue from other fish, which it eats. Some are rather clever, mimicking other fish species to get close to victims. Despite measuring just a few inches long, these wee fish are surprisingly effective parasites thanks to their fangs.