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209 / Paleozoic
Cephalaspis
Cephalaspis lyelli
Sensory fields beneath a broad crescent-shaped head shield helped it search through turbid bottom water.
- Time range
- About 407–397 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Devonian
- Geographic range
- Rivers and deltas · Northern Europe
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Cephalaspis?
Cephalaspis (Cephalaspis lyelli) was an extinct organism known from About 407–397 million years ago, with a range in Rivers and deltas · Northern Europe.
Life and ecology
Cephalaspis was a jawless osteostracan stabilized by horn-like corners on its head shield and propelled by a strong tail. It likely disturbed sediment for small prey and particles.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Cephalaspis disappear?
Jawed fishes expanded through Devonian waters while habitats and jawless-fish communities changed.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Cephalaspis?
Head shields, scales and complete outlines preserve sensory canals and muscle attachments used to reconstruct movement.
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