Coccostean

/kɒkəˈstiːən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or belonging to the Coccostei, an extinct group of ancient fish with bony armor-like plates on their heads.

Etymology

From Coccosteus (genus name from Greek kokkos berry plus osteon bone, likely referring to rounded bone structures) plus -an (relating to).

Kelly Says

Coccostean fish lived 400 million years ago and had faces covered in thick bone armor with huge jaw muscles—imagine a creature that looked like it wore a knight's helmet!

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