Ganocephalous

/ɡænəˈsɛfələs/ adjective

Definition

Describing or relating to fish that have ganoid-type coating on their head structures; characteristic of the ganocephala group.

Etymology

From ganocephala plus -ous (suffix meaning full of or characterized by). The adjective form allows scientists to describe features of fish without naming the full group.

Kelly Says

When paleontologists call a fish 'ganocephalous,' they're essentially saying it's wearing a coat of enamel armor on its head—it's a fancy way to describe one of evolution's most brilliant defensive designs.

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