Hypsocormus

Hypsocormus
Temporal range: Middle Jurassic–Late Jurassic
Hypsocormus insignis
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Pachycormiformes
Family: Pachycormidae
Genus: Hypsocormus

Hypsocormus is an extinct genus of teleost fish from the Jurassic period of Europe.

Restoration

Hypsocormus was a fast-swimming predatory fish about 1 metre (3.3 ft) long, with a half moon-shaped caudal fin similar to that of a modern mackerel. It had a single dorsal fin, elongated pectoral fins and tiny pelvic fins about halfway down the body. An early teleost, Hypsocormus was still primitive, possessing primitive traits such as armored scales. These were, however, small compared with those of earlier fish, allowing greater flexibility. Its jaws were muscular and highly developed, giving it a powerful bite.[1]

References

  1. Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 38. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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