Rolfosteus canningensis | |
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Scientific Classification | |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Placodermi |
Order | Arthrodira |
Family | Camuropiscidae |
Genus | Rolfosteus |
Species | Rolfosteus canningensis |
Conservation Status | |
Extinct |
Rolfosteus canningensis is an extinct species of arthrodire placoderm from the late Devonian of the Gogo Formation of Western Australia.
The 6 inch long creature had tough plating on the front of its body. Like othe rarthrodires, such as Coccosteus and the giant Dunkleosteus, it had sharp, bony plates in its mouth which formed a turtle-like beak for cutting prey to pieces. R. canningensis' most unusual feature was its highly elongated snout, which may have been used to enhance its sense of smell, as well as increase its hydrodynamic streamlining.