Longodus
Extinct genus of jawless fishes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Longodus (Long meaning long and odus meaning tooth) is an extinct genus of thelodont, placed in its own family[1][2] – Longodidae – which existed in what is now Estonia during the Ludlow epoch of the upper Silurian period.[3] The type and only species is Longodus acicularis.[1][3] They are most noted for their long, needle-like scales, which run vertically along their trunk.
| Longodus Temporal range: Ludlow epoch | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Infraphylum: | Agnatha |
| Class: | †Thelodonti |
| Order: | †Thelodontiformes |
| Family: | †Longodidae Märss, 2006 |
| Genus: | †Longodus Märss, 2006 |
| Species: | †L. acicularis |
| Binomial name | |
| †Longodus acicularis Märss, 2006 [1] | |
Description
Longodus acicularis possessed narrow but elongated scales, approximately 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm in length, with a width to length ratio of up to 1:11. Their heads were almond shaped, connected to a medium trunk and short, distinctly forked tail. Scales contained ridges along the margins, creating a ripple like visual effect. They also possess lateral spines posterior to the crown.[2] The scales on the crown are dentine based, covered by enameloid, while the scales of the base are acellular aspidin based.
