Cheirolepis
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| Cheirolepis Fossil range: Mid to Late Devonian |
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Cheirolepis ('hand fin') is an extinct genus of ray-finned fish that lived in the Devonian period. It was about 55 cm (1 ft 10 in) long.
Cheirolepis was a predatory fish living in fresh water. It had a streamlined body with small, triangular ganoid scales similar to those of the Acanthodii. Cheirolepis had well-developed fins which gave it speed and stability, and was probably an active predator. Based on the size of its eyes, it hunted by sight. Cheirolepis's jaws, lined with sharp teeth, could be opened very wide, allowing it to swallow prey two thirds of its own size.
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