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> Aesopichthys erinaceus
Aesopichthys erinaceus
Aesopichthys erinaceus is known only from the Bear Gulch Limestone. It's a highly specialized fish with unique skull adaptations, body and fin form. The notched snout, pillar-like vertical antorbital bones, spikes on the first infraorbitals, and tall round-topped maxilla, are characteristic.
Fossil (left) and
illustration (right) of an Aesopichthys skull. Scale in mm.
Reference:
- Poplin, C., & R. Lund. 2000. "Two new deep-bodied actinopterygians from Bear Gulch, (Montana, USA, Lower Carboniferous)." Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 20: 428-449.