Bite force mechanics and allometry of piranha (Serrasalmidae).

Velasco-Hogan, Audrey; Meyers, Marc A · J Mech Behav Biomed Mater · 2021

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The bite force of the piranha (Serrasalmidae) has drawn considerable attention due to its ability to effectively capture and masticate prey. Herein, we analyze theoretical anterior bite forces using a lever approach and compare them to in-vivo maximum bite forces. We provide a mechanics analysis that explains the scaling allometry of the bite force (F<sub>output</sub>) with the length of the fish (l), F<sub>output</sub>αl<sup>2</sup>.

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