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208 / Paleozoic
Arandaspis
Arandaspis prionotolepis
It lacked jaws and paired fins, but its head and gill region were enclosed within strong armor.
- Time range
- About 480–470 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Ordovician
- Geographic range
- Gondwanan shallow sea · Central Australia
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Arandaspis?
Arandaspis (Arandaspis prionotolepis) was an extinct organism known from About 480–470 million years ago, with a range in Gondwanan shallow sea · Central Australia.
Life and ecology
Arandaspis propelled itself with its tail and probably collected tiny organic particles above the seabed. Fine scales covered the body behind its broad shield.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Arandaspis disappear?
Later jawless fishes diversified with more stable fins and new armor patterns, replacing this early branch.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Arandaspis?
Head-shield pieces, body scales and a few associated fossils reveal the eye position, gill openings and tail outline.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS