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.
The M. nigers stands out because it does not possess gill rakers or gill teeth, traits typically seen in meat-eating fish species (Figure C). The anterior vertebrae are unfused, enabling the fish to "flip its head" and consume substantial prey.