Unusual Pterichthyodes cornutus Devonian Placoderm

Description: This unusual fish is known as Pterichthyodes, a name which means “wing- fish” a reference to the dramatic pectoral appendages (missing here) The box-like body was enclosed in armor plates, and provided protection from predators., while the tail itself was unprotected. They are thought to have been bottom dwellers, and may have used their pectorals to “row” along the bottom. What makes this one even more unusual is that it comes from the Damon Collection. Robert Damon (1814-1889) and his son Robert Francis (1845-1929) were commercial collectors during the Victorian Era who supplied museums throughout North and South America, Europe, and Australia with geological specimens. This one was acquired upon the death of R.F. Damon. His label can be clearly seen. Note too the price: 5/6 or 5 shillings and six pence, quite a steep price for its time. The Lethen Bar site was famous for its ichtyolite specimens, but has subsequently been lost to science. This is the only such specimen I have to offer.

Also see: Paleozoic Fish Fossils