Which Animal Has the Most Teeth in the World?

“Which animal has the most teeth in the world?” This question is both a popular riddle among children and a real curiosity that sparks scientific interest. The animal kingdom is full of fascinating, strange, and even fearsome creatures that capture our imagination. Whether it’s the strongest, the biggest, the smallest, or the fastest, we are always intrigued by these kinds of facts.

So, which species actually holds the record for having the most teeth? Let’s dive in and explore the surprising answer.

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The Animal with the Most Teeth

From a scientific perspective, the animal with the most teeth is a catfish, a freshwater fish that can have up to 9,280 teeth.

The catfish gets its name from the whisker-like barbels on either side of its mouth, which resemble a cat’s whiskers. It isn’t just one species, but a large group with over 200 species, most of which live in freshwater environments.

Catfish have rows upon rows of small but sharp teeth. In total, they may reach nearly 9,300 teeth, which they use to feed on:

• Small invertebrates

• Tadpoles and small fish

• Occasionally even small mammals

In addition, catfish possess sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins, which act as a defense mechanism. Some species even have the remarkable ability to generate electric shocks to stun prey or ward off predators.

However, this record isn’t without controversy. If we expand the definition of “teeth,” there’s another animal that could claim the crown: the snail.

The Hidden Champion: Snails and Their Radula

Snails don’t have teeth like mammals or reptiles, but they do have a structure called the radula—a ribbon-like organ covered with thousands of microscopic teeth used for scraping and grinding food.

Though almost impossible to see with the naked eye, these tiny teeth serve the same purpose as conventional teeth. A single snail may have up to 25,000 teeth on its radula, far surpassing the catfish.

So, if we include these structures as “teeth,” then the snail is actually the animal with the most teeth in the world.

The Land Animal with the Most Teeth

Compared to fish or invertebrates, mammals typically have fewer teeth. However, their teeth are highly specialized and adapted to different diets:

• Incisors for cutting

• Canines for tearing

• Premolars and molars for grinding and chewing

Surprisingly, the land animal with the most teeth is a mammal: the giant armadillo (Priodontes giganteus). It has around 100 teeth, which is significantly more than most other terrestrial mammals.

These fascinating animals are native to South America, where they can be found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Guatemala. Unfortunately, their populations have been declining in recent decades due to habitat loss and hunting, and they are now considered vulnerable.

The Riddle Answer: Who Has the Most Teeth?

If you came here looking for the riddle answer, you might be amused to know it’s not a real animal at all. The traditional riddle response is “El Ratoncito Pérez” (the Tooth Fairy Mouse).

In Spanish folklore, this little mouse collects children’s baby teeth when they fall out, leaving small gifts in return. Considering the countless baby teeth lost by children every day around the world, Ratoncito Pérez could jokingly be said to have “the most teeth” of any creature.

Summary

• Catfish → 9,280 teeth (scientific record-holder among fish).

• Snails → up to 25,000 microscopic teeth on the radula (if counted, they are the true champions).

• Giant Armadillo → about 100 teeth (the mammal with the most teeth).

• Ratoncito Pérez → the playful, riddle-based answer.

This fun fact shows not only the diversity of dental adaptations in the animal kingdom but also how different species have evolved unique ways to feed, defend themselves, and survive.

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