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Meet Materpiscis — the “Mother Fish” in 3D Dinopedia
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Materpiscis attenboroughi (“mother fish”) is a Late Devonian placoderm (384–382 Mya) whose fossils from Western Australia preserve an embryo connected by an umbilical cord. This makes it the oldest known live-bearing vertebrate, pushing viviparity back by 200 million years.
About 30 cm long, Materpiscis had armored plates on its head and body and two crushing plates in place of teeth for breaking shells. Broad pectoral fins provided manoeuvrability near the seabed, while mysterious snout projections hint at unknown functions.
In the latest 3D Dinopedia update, examine the in-situ embryo, explore the body plating, and discover how live birth evolved in vertebrates. Open the app now and dive into Devonian waters!
About 30 cm long, Materpiscis had armored plates on its head and body and two crushing plates in place of teeth for breaking shells. Broad pectoral fins provided manoeuvrability near the seabed, while mysterious snout projections hint at unknown functions.
In the latest 3D Dinopedia update, examine the in-situ embryo, explore the body plating, and discover how live birth evolved in vertebrates. Open the app now and dive into Devonian waters!
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