Diplacanthus crassissimus (Duff, 1842)
Systematics: Acanthodii Climatiiformes Diplacanthida Diplacanthidae
Size: 6-8 cm long
Type Horizon and Locality: Middle Devonian, Middle Old Red Sandstone (Eifelian), Scotland, UK
Type Specimen: Holotype NMS G.1891.92.333 (complete specimen)
The Diplacanthiformes were a widespread group of spiny sharks during the Middle and Late Devonian period. Fossils of Diplacanthiformes have been found in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica and possibly China. The species Diplacanthus crassissimus is very common in the Middle Old Red Sandstone of Scotland and is known from complete specimens as well as isolated scales and spines.
References:
Burrow, C., den Blaauwen, J., Newman, M., & Davidson, R. (2016). The diplacanthid fishes (Acanthodii, Diplacanthiformes, Diplacanthidae) from the Middle Devonian of Scotland. Palaeontologia Electronica, 19(1), 1-83.
August 13, 2017
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