Acanthodes

/ækænˈθoʊdiːz/ noun

Definition

A genus of extinct spiny-finned fish from the Paleozoic era, known for small sharp spines covering their bodies.

Etymology

From Greek 'akantha' (spine) + '-odes' (resembling), literally meaning 'spine-resembling,' referring to their appearance.

Kelly Says

Acanthodes were so small and spiky that they looked like they were wearing underwater armor—they're one of the earliest vertebrates we know about from over 300 million years ago!

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