What Are Dolos?

Dolos, belonging to the subfamily Longuderidae in the family Pescanguidae, are divided into six distinct genera, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviours that contribute to their vital role in the marine ecosystem. Dolos are also one of the most diverse genera of the Pescanguid family. And the most endangered. While they have impressive numbers today, fossil evidence suggests the amount of genera within the dolo subfamily was nearly double the amount there are today. Despite what many think, this mass extinction was not due to human activity, but likely caused by the rapidly changing climates of the ice age that many groups couldn't adapt to. All dolos are most identified by their thick, reinforced skulls and strong bite forces. By opening their jaws wide, and closing them with a strong force, they are able to crack open the hardest of shelled prey or break the vertebra in almost one bite. Dolos have some of the strongest bite forces of any vertebrate animal alive today and could easily sever a human hand from the wrist if put in that scenario. It is also believed that dolos are some of the earliest members in the Pescanguid family. Dolos are some of the most commonly recognised sea animals next to sharks and have countless inspirations in mythologies and religions around the world. They are also the smallest members of their family in comparison to the large tikos and massive hemots.