Psammolepis
Period of life:
393 – 378 million years ago
Period:
Habitat:
Marine environment
Taxonomy:
Fish
Height:
0.07 m
Countries:
Climatius
Estemmenosuchus
Psammolepis was a genus of extinct jawless fishes that lived in the seas of the Devonian period. They also ventured into estuaries—where rivers meet the sea. These fascinating creatures resembled medium-sized flat fish, measuring from about half a meter to roughly 90 centimeters in length.
Their appearance was highly unusual. The body was flattened, pancake-like, with a mouth positioned on the upper side. Instead of jaws, Psammolepis had bony plates. Its body was covered by a strong armored shield, providing protection from predators. While this heavy armor made the fish slow, it also rendered it nearly invulnerable to most threats. The armor was coated with enamel-like tissue, giving it additional strength.
Based on its body shape, Psammolepis is considered a bottom-dweller. Its diet likely included various invertebrates living in the water column.
Because it lacked jaws, Psammolepis could not bite or tear prey. Instead, it used specialized plates inside its mouth. Its flattened body and upward-facing mouth allowed it to efficiently suck in prey swimming above.
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