Gyroptychius

Gyroptychius
Temporal range: Mid Devonian
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Sarcopterygii
Clade: Tetrapodomorpha
Order: †Osteolepiformes
Genus: †Gyroptychius
M'Coy, 1848

Gyroptychius is an extinct genus of tetrapodomorphs from the Devonian period.

Gyroptychius was a fast riverine predator with an elongated body about 30 centimetres (12 in) long. As its eyes were relatively small, it is presumed to have hunted by smell rather than sight. Gyroptychius had short jaws which gave it a powerful bite. All its fins except the pectorals were moved to the back to the body, increasing the power of the tail while swimming.[1]

References

  1. ^ Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 43. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.


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