A taxonomic group or classification of ancient fish characterized by rounded scales, representing an evolutionary stage between primitive and modern fish.
From 'cyclo-' (Greek kyklos, circle/round, referring to the shape of scales) + 'ganoidei' (relating to ganoid scales, from Greek 'ganos' meaning brightness/sheen). The term is used in paleichthyology (ancient fish study).
Cycloganoidei represents a moment frozen in evolutionary time—these fish had just begun to develop the shiny, protective scales that modern fish use, but they hadn't perfected the design yet, making them perfect for understanding how fish armor evolved.
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