Remigolepis is an extinct placoderm from the Devonian period (~ 365Mya) It grew up to 350mm in length and was a member of the order Antiarchi.
The identifying characteristics of antiarchs were their long boxlike thoracic armour and bony jointed pectoral appendages.
Remigolepis the genus had distinctively short oar-like armoured pectoral fins and a heavily scaled tail. It had unusual suborbital plates on each side of its armoured head. The purpose of these plates is still being speculated upon.
Remigolepis was probably not a very agile swimmer and was most likely confined to the seabed as a benthic scavenger. However its remains have still been discovered right around the world, including in China, Greenland, Russia and Australia.
Placoderms were major components of Devonian ecosystems, and their fossils provide information about the environments and ecological dynamics of the time. They occupied various ecological niches, from predators to bottom-feeders, reflecting the complexity of early aquatic ecosystems.
Placoderms exhibited a wide range of body forms and adaptations, from armored predators to smaller, less heavily armored species. This diversity provides insights into the various evolutionary paths taken by early vertebrates.
With thanks to Dr Alex Ritchie for assistance with anatomical detail.
