Tooth position
A single pair of large teeth are positioned back from the apex at 50 - 60% of total length of the mouthline. The tooth root
is squared at its base and the teeth have a slight anterior incline or no incline at all.
This is the only mesoplodont to have maxillary teeth. Up to 17-22
regularly spaced maxillary teeth begin at the same position along the jaw as the single pair of teeth in the lower
jaw. There are no alveoli and they protrude only a few millimeters external to the gum.
Tooth exposure
Erupted teeth of adult males are covered in gum tissue with only the tips of the teeth exposed.
Teeth in females and juveniles do not erupt.
Tooth shape
Anterior and posterior tooth margins are sinusoidal with the tooth apex slightly
offset from the midline of the tooth.
Mesoplodon grayi - Right and left teeth
Adult male - STR1294
Adult male - STR1294