Asterolepidae

/ˌæstəroʊˈlɛpɪdeɪ/ noun

Definition

An extinct family of armored fish from the Devonian period, characterized by star-like bony plates on their bodies.

Etymology

From Greek aster (star) plus lepis (scale) plus the taxonomic suffix -idae. The name describes their distinctive star-patterned body armor made of bony plates.

Kelly Says

These ancient armored fish had bodies covered in a star-like pattern of bony plates—scientists literally named them based on what they looked like millions of years ago, and we can still see those fossils today!

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