Acanthodes

General Description

A relatively large acanthodian fish with six spines, one in front of each of its fins. Acanthodes did not have any teeth and had very few skull bones. They reached a length of about 30 cm.

Biology

Members of the Acanthodii are notable for being some of the earliest known fishes with jaws. However, the taxonomy of the group is debated, as Acanthodii consists of multiple unrelated forms. The streamlined body of Acanthodes suggest it was a fast swimmer. Studies on various specimens suggest that body proportions did not change greatly throughout its development. Recent well-preserved finds have established that Acanthodes had colour vision.

Distribution

Specimens known from Europe, North America and Australia.

Geological Range

Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian), between 359-245 million years ago.

Habitat

Found in rocks from freshwater stream and esturine environments.