M. nigers is unique in that it does not contain gill rakers or gill teeth which is typically found in carnivorious fish species (Figure C). The anterior vertebrae appear to be unossified which enables the fish to “throw back its head” to take on relatively large prey.
M. nigers is notable for lacking gill rakers or gill teeth, features commonly found in predatory fish species (Figure C). The anterior vertebrae appear to be unossified, allowing the fish to "flip its head" and capture large prey.