When it comes to animals with the largest mouths, one of the first creatures that comes to mind is the hippopotamus. This massive mammal is renowned for its large mouth, which can measure up to 1.5 meters in width. In addition, its jaw can open up to an impressive 150° angle, allowing the hippo to take in large amounts of food.
Hippos are largely grazers and their diet consists mainly of grass. They have large, chisel-like incisors which are used to cut through the vegetation. Interestingly, their lower incisors are so strong that they can even uproot small trees. The large mouth of the hippo also allows it to fill its large stomach with large amounts of food, which it can process for energy throughout the day.
However, the hippo isn’t the only animal with a large mouth. The whale shark is a species of fish that is known for its impressive jaw size. Its mouth can reach up to four feet wide when opened, allowing it to swallow large amounts of fish and plankton. Its jaw is also equipped with thousands of small, backward-facing teeth that help it to filter feed on its prey. This incredible fish can be found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
One of the most impressive animals with a large mouth is the giant Pacific octopus. This massive mollusk can reach a length of up to 16 feet, but its most striking feature is its beak. This beak can measure up to 30 cm in length, making it the largest beak of any octopus species. This beak is incredibly strong and can be used to tear apart prey, such as crabs, clams, and lobsters.
Finally, the American alligator holds the title of having the largest relative mouth size of any animal. The alligator’s snout is long and narrow and its jaws can open up to an impressive 180° angle. This allows it to take in large amounts of food, including fish, reptiles, and even small mammals.
