| Ischyodus Fossil range: Middle Jurassic - Miocene | |
|---|---|
 Artist's rendition of Ischyodus. | |
| Scientific classification
| |
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Holocephali | |
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Chimaeriformes | |
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Callorhynchidae | |
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Ischyodus | |
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See text. | |
Ischyodus is an extinct genus of cartilaginous fish belonging to the subclass Holocephali, which includes the modern-day chimaeras.
Ischyodus was virtually identical to the present-day chimaera Chimaera monstrosa, which is found in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Just like C. monstrosa, Ischyodus had large eyes, a long whip-like tail, small lips, large pectoral fins and dorsal fin, and a poisonous dorsal spike attached to the front of the dorsal fin. The spike probably served as a method of protection against predators.
Dental plates have been found at several sites in North Dakota.
Species[]
Ischyodus avitus
- Ischyodus bifurcatus
- Ischyodus brevirostris
- Ischyodus dolloi
- Ischyodus gubkini
- Ischyodus incisus
- Ischyodus latus
- Ischyodus lonzeensis
- Ischyodus minor
- Ischyodus mortoni
- Ischyodus planus
- Ischyodus rayhassi
- Ischyodus thurmanni
- Ischyodus townsendi
- Ischyodus williamsae
- Ischyodus yanshini
- Ischyodus zinsmeisteri
