Athenaegis chattertoni Soehn & Wilson, 1980
Agnatha
Heterostraci
Cyathaspididae
Tolypelepidinae
Early Silurian
Delorme Gr (Llandovery)
Northern Territories, Canada
Length: 5 cm
This small agnathan (jawless fish) is the earliest known heterostracan. Its body was protecteced by a broad dorsal and ventral shields. Tail was symmetrical with fin like structures similar to those of ray-finned fish. It is known from several complete specimens. It is named after the Greek goddess Athena's shield in reference to the snake-like whorls in the front part of the dorsal shield reminiscent of Medusa's hair.
June 29, 2014
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