This Sarcastic Fringehead Freaked Out — On Itself

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Sarcastic fringeheads are small yet mighty saltwater fish found in the Pacific Ocean. Known for their massive jaws and mouths, the fish will fight anything it deems a threat. This YouTube video shows just how aggressive this breed can be, even against each other — or, in this case, against its own reflection.

What Is a Sarcastic Fringehead?

The sarcastic fringehead is a feisty fish known for its massive mouth. According to Oceana, their mouths can become four times their size when open compared to closed. Males typically have larger mouths than females, using this feature to assert dominance, intimidate predators, and attack prey. 

Most sarcastic fringeheads are between 3 and 8 inches long, the Aquarium of the Pacific reports. Their bodies are typically lengthy and slim, but their heads and jaws are huge. Additionally, they have sharp, needle-like teeth that help them injure intruders or prey. The fish is also known for its fringe-like appendages covering its eyes.

Sarcastic fringeheads might look small and harmless, but they’re actually quite aggressive. In fact, they will attack anything that comes close to their shelter (or burrow). Humans are no exception. 

Where Do Sarcastic Fringeheads Live? 

According to the Aquarium of the Pacific, sarcastic fringeheads live in the Pacific Ocean, from the San Francisco Bay south to Baja California, Mexico. Their preferred depths are between 10 to 240 feet deep. 

This breed typically resides in burrows or shelters along open coastlines, but they will make almost anything their “home.” Once they establish their territory, it’s game over for any unlucky passerby, as they become wildly territorial.

Are Sarcastic Fringeheads Aggressive?

Yes, sarcastic fringeheads are extremely aggressive and territorial, especially when it comes to their food sources. In the case of the YouTube video linked above, it’s likely the feisty fish assumed it was attacking another of its breed and not itself in the mirror. These fish will often fight each other for their territories or other resources, like food and shelter. 

Sarcastic fringehead attacks typically consist of widening their large mouths and slamming into other fish, especially their own kind. This is done both to intimidate its prey and establish dominance among smaller fish of the same breed. 

Two male rivals competing for a female will usually use their mouths as weapons. Once two sarcastic fringeheads’ mouths lock, they will use their strength to fight each other, as demonstrated in the video. It’s almost like a wrestling match, but with their mouths rather than arms wrapped around each other.

However, oftentimes, confrontations don’t even escalate to this point. Instead, the smaller fish will typically leave before even attempting to fight.

This breed will essentially attack anything that threatens its territory. For instance, if another type of fish gets too close to its burrow, it will likely immediately target it. According to the Aquarium of the Pacific, the sarcastic fringehead is also an ambush predator. In other words, it will surprise-attack its prey and sink its sharp teeth into it.

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