The
Dunkleosteus was an armoured fish with a length of eight to ten metres,
which was unusually large for the Devonian period. It was one of the
first giants of the underwater world, together with the Titanichthys.
The
Dunkleosteus lived 130-150 million years before the first dinosaurs. It
was a fearless hunter who could snap incredibly fast and ate large
sharks, and even its own kind if no other prey was to be found. Fossils
of fish, which were only half digested, have often been discovered
alongside its skeleton. Scientists therefore believe that the armoured
fish was not able to chew very well and swallowed it prey in large
pieces. It was named after the palaeontologist David Dunkle. The word
"osteos" is Greek for "bone".
Fun fact: Instead of teeth, the Dunkleosteus had long, sharp bony plates in its strong jaw.
Dimensions
8.5 x 3.5 x 2.6 inch (W x D x H)
Age Recommendation
4-12 years