Fangs

Fangs are long, pointed teeth used by many animals to puncture prey or deliver venom. In general usage, fangs describe specialized teeth that are longer or sharper than neighboring teeth; in venomous species they often form a delivery system for toxins.

In mammals and humans, the term fang is commonly used for elongated canine teeth (cuspids) that project from the upper and sometimes lower jaws. These teeth help grasp, puncture, or tear flesh and are not inherently venomous, though they can be prominent in some species.

In snakes, fangs are specialized maxillary teeth connected to venom glands. They act as venom delivery devices, enabling the snake to inject toxins into prey or threats. Fangs vary in structure and placement: proteroglyphous front fangs are fixed; solenoglyphous fangs are long and hinged; opisthoglyphous (rear-fanged) fangs are smaller and located toward the back of the upper jaw. Some species have more than one functional fang.

In spiders and other arachnids, fangs are part of the chelicerae used to inject venom into prey. The fangs are typically paired and operate with venom glands housed in the prosoma.

Fangs have evolved in multiple lineages as adaptations for prey capture, defense, and feeding strategies. Their form—whether as elongated canines, hollow fangs for venom, or blade-like teeth—reflects ecological roles across species.