Coccosteus

Science Name

Coccosteidae

Description

Coccosteus is an extinct genus of arthrodire placoderm. Its fossils have been found throughout Europe and North America. The majority of these have been found in freshwater sediments, though, such a large range suggests that they may have been able to enter saltwater.

Habitat

The largest specimens were about 40 centimetres (16 in), although the average length was 20 to 24 centimetres

Behaviour

Coccosteus had a joint between the armor of the body and skull. In addition, it also had an internal joint between its neck vertebrae and the back of the skull, allowing for the mouth to be opened even wider. Along with the longer jaws, this allowed Coccosteus to feed on fairly large prey.

Life History

As with all other arthrodires, Coccosteus had bony dental plates embedded in its jaws, forming a beak..Overall the creature looked similar to its gigantic cousin Dunkleosteus, save that its eyes were closer to the end of its snout than in its larger relative.

Region Found

Europe (Scotland and USSR)and North America(Ohio)