Carnivorous fish 375 million years ago

A carnivorous fish that existed 375 million years ago was discovered in the Arctic waters of Canada.

According to the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology , scientists from the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia (USA) said the fish is called Laccognathus embryi (named after Canadian Arctic researcher Ashton Embry). ) used to go back and forth to search for water on North American routes in the Devon century, before vertebrate animals existed on land.

The Devonian Period, 415 - 360 million years ago, is often called the Fish Era due to the existence of many aquatic species living in the seas, lagoons and ancient streams. Laccognathus embryi is a finfish, about 1.5-1.8 meters long, has a broad, flat head, small eyes and hard jaws with long and pointed teeth. Study co-author Edward 'Ted' Daeschler, co-author of the study, said: 'I would not want to wade or swim in the waters where this fish is hiding. It is clear that the late Devon ecosystems are dangerous, and Laccognathus embryi is a large predator on the bottom with a strong bait. '

Laccognathus embryi fish sketch

Daeschler and colleagues, who found the Laccognathus embryi fossil, in 2004 also found the fossil fish Tiktaalik roseae , which is considered a "lost link" between fish and other genera. the most primitive. Notably, fossils of 'new' fish are also found at the same location as Tiktaalik roseae fish on Ellesmere Island in the remote Nunavut territory of Canada. These two fish species belong to the group of fish with round-like fins. According to scientists, the only surviving members of this group are finfish (coelacanth) and lungfish (lungfish).

According to the researchers, the discovery of the two fish species provides additional clues to the scientific community to learn about environmental conditions that have forced the fish to 'land' on land and eventually evolved into species. Genus, including our human species.