Arandaspis
Name meaning:
Shield of the Aranda people
Period of life:
480–460 mya
Period:
Habitat:
Marine environment
Taxonomy:
Chordates
Countries:
Meaning of the name: Shield of the Aranda people
Arandaspis is a genus of jawless fish found in Australia that lived around 480 million years ago. It is the oldest known vertebrate and the most ancient known jawless fish, with a skeleton measuring only about 15 cm, found entirely intact. Arandaspis is one of the most well-known Ordovician fish-like creatures, although its appearance is quite unremarkable. Its body was long and heavy, with a single fin located at the back of its body. Arandaspis' diet probably consisted of small marine organisms. Its mouth was slightly downward-facing, so it likely searched for food in the bottom mud.
Discussions
Other animals