Predator vs. Prey

Alligator Snapping Turtle vs. Flathead Catfish

The struggle to survive isn't always a fair fight.

Illustrated by David Besenger

Tricky Tongue

Resting on the bottom with its big mouth wide open, the snapper can wiggle its tricky tongue to lure in wormseeking fish.

Bottom Dweller

Large size, massive weight, and gnarly shell help the snapper hide among sunken rocks, roots, and logs.

Super Sensors

The flathead’s whiskers aren’t just for decoration. They’re covered with taste buds, which tell the fish what to eat and what to avoid.

And the winner is…

The flathead may have super sensors, but it’s also hard-wired to eat live food. It can’t resist the turtle’s wiggly tongue. So the turtle’s big hooked jaws snap shut — and the snapper wins.