Bryantolepis

Bryantolepis
Temporal range: Early Devonian 419.2–393.3 Ma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: †Placodermi
Order: †Arthrodira
Genus: †Bryantolepis
Camp, Welles, & Green, 1949
Species
  • †Bryantolepis brachycephala (Bryant, 1932) (type)
  • †Bryantolepis williamsi Elliot & Carr, 2010

Bryantolepis is an extinct genus of arthrodire placoderm fish from the Early Devonian period found in northern USA, and currently consists of two species, Bryantolepis brachycephala and Bryantolepis williamsi. The genus is known from multiple parts of the skull roof, the suborbital, endocranium, and trunk shield.[1][2]

The type species Bryantolepis brachycephala was described by Bryant in 1932, and was found in the Beartooth Butte Formation at Beartooth Butte, Wyoming. It was originally placed in the genus Euryaspis, but was later reassigned to Bryantolepis.[2] It is one of the commonest fishes found at the Beartooth Butte Formation.[1]

The second species, Bryantolepis williamsi, was described and named in 2010, and is about 60% larger. It was found at the Utah-Idaho border, specifically in the Grassy Flat Member of the Water Canyon Formation, Green Canyon, northern Utah, and St. Charles, southern Idaho. The specific epithet, williamsi, honors paleontologist Michael E. Williams (1940-2003).[2]

The placement of Bryantolepis within Arthrodira can be shown in the cladogram below:[2]

Arthrodira

References

  1. ^ a b Denison, Robert H. (1962). A reconstruction of the shield of the arthrodire, Bryantolepis brachycephalus (Bryant). Vol. 14. Chicago: Chicago Natural History Museum.
  2. ^ a b c d Elliott, D. K.; Carr, R. K. (2010). "A new species of Bryantolepis Camp, Welles, and Green, 1949 (Placodermi, Arthrodira) from the Early Devonian Water Canyon Formation of northern Utah and southern Idaho, with comments on the endocranium". Kirtlandia: 22–35.