Gyroptychius

Gyroptychius Temporal range: Mid Devonian
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Sarcopterygii
Order:	Coelacanthiformes
Genus:	Gyroptychius
Species:	G. agassizi
Binomial name
Gyroptychius agassizi

Gyroptychius is an extinct genus of coelacanthiform lobe-finned fish 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.