Acanthodian Permian Fossil Fish from Germany

The Acanthodians are jaw-bearing fish that still are the subject of dispute over their systematic position because they have features of both bony fish ( Osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes). They possess highly advanced, spindle-shaped bodies thought to have made them swift swimmers. The body was covered in small mosaic-like scales. They possessed small teeth that were typically confined to the lower jaw; some were toothless. The feature they all share in common is the fact that massive spines formed of dentine support all fins other than the caudal fins. Indeed, the name Acanthodii is derived from the Greek word for spine.

The oldest acanthodian lived during the late Ordovicain. They reached their peak during the Devonian, and became extinct during the Great Dying of the end-Permian extinction. This well-preserved example is known as Acanthodes gracilis, the patronymic genus. The genus died out in the lower Permian. As is typical, the most prominent feature to be seen here are the diagnostic spines; the body contours have been highlighted by the preparator to make viewing easier.