Scientific name Delphyodontos dacriformes Rank Genus | Species D. dacriformes Phylum Chordata | |
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Similar Holocephali, Echinochimaera, Harpagofututor, Iniopteryx, Belantsea | ||
Delphyodontos dacriformes is a prehistoric holocephalid fish from the early Carboniferous-aged Bear Gulch Limestone Lagerstätte, in Montana. The adult form is unknown, as the only fossil specimens are of aborted fetuses or recently born young. Sharp teeth and fecal matter in the fossils suggests that Delphyodontos practiced intrauterine cannibalism, like some modern sharks, such as gray reef sharks.
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Appearance
According to the fossils, the recently born would have resembled tadpoles with small, but sharp beaks. Because of the evidence suggesting intrauterine cannibalism, D. dacriformes is assumed to have been carnivorous, though, besides siblings, it is unknown what other organisms they would have eaten.
Etymology
The generic name, Delphyodontos, means "womb tooth", in reference to the sharp, beak-like teeth and their possible habits of intrauterine cannibalism. The specific name, dacriformes, refers to the teardrop-shaped body.