Hollardosteus

Hollardosteus
Temporal range: Eifelian
reconstruction as a dunkleosteid
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Infraphylum: Gnathostomata
Class: Placodermi
Order: Arthrodira
Suborder: Brachythoraci
Family: incertae sedis
Genus: Hollardosteus
Species: H. marocanus
Binomial name
Hollardosteus marocanus
Lehman, 1976

Hollardosteus marocanus is a brachythoracid arthrodire placoderm from the Middle Devonian of Morocco. Its scrappy remains were found in Eifelian-aged strata from the Tafilat-Maider Valley.[1]

The inferognathal plate has a well-developed anterior tooth (prong), very similar in form to the inferognathals of the dunkleosteids. However, the dermal surface of the armor is decorated with a pattern of large, crowded tubercules totally unlike the smooth dermal surfaces of dunkleosteid armors. This mix of peculiar features leaves H. marocanus placed as "Arthrodira incertae sedis,"[1] at least until more complete specimens are found.

References

  1. 1 2 Long, John (editor) (1993). Palaeozoic Vertebrate Biostratigraphy and Biogeography. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 148. ISBN 0-8018-4779-6.
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