2.5 Bothriolepis canadensis
This specimen is the head-shield of a placoderm in dorsal view. Placoderms were heavily armoured jawed fish that thrived during the Devonian. They had a nearly global distribution, and lived in marine and freshwater habitats. They range in size from a few centimetres to 10 metres or longer. One unique feature of the placoderms is the joint between the head-shield and the main trunk of the animal.
Above: Head shield of Bothriolepis seen from above (the front is to the left).
Bothriolepis itself grew to about 25cm in length. It is of Late Devonian age, and has been found on virtually every continent. Note the texture and pattern on the head-shield armour.
Compare this specimen with the models of Bothriolepis.
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