NEMACANTHUS Meaning and
Definition
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Nemacanthus is a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish that existed during the Devonian period (approximately 419.2 to 358.9 million years ago). It is classified within the family Acanthodii, which belongs to the larger group of armored jawed fishes known as placoderms. The name Nemacanthus is derived from the Latin words "nema," meaning thread or filament, and "akanthos," meaning thorn or spine, referring to its characteristic spiny fin rays.
Members of the genus Nemacanthus were small to medium-sized fishes, typically measuring around 20 to 60 centimeters in length. They possessed a streamlined body shape with a flattened head and a distinct heterocercal tail, which means the upper lobe of the tail is larger than the lower. They had well-developed pectoral and pelvic fins, along with numerous dorsal and anal fin spines, suggesting they were capable swimmers with good maneuverability.
Nemacanthus species are recognized for their unique dental characteristics. They had comb-like or saw-like teeth, which were likely used for grasping and shredding their prey, possibly small invertebrates or other small fishes. These teeth were arranged in a dental plate, forming a continuous band in their upper and lower jaws.
Fossils of Nemacanthus have been discovered in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia. These remains provide important insights into the diversity and evolution of early jawed fishes during the Devonian period, shedding light on the ancient marine ecosystems they inhabited.
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A genus of fossil fin-spines, so called from being covered with minute prickles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NEMACANTHUS
- bemacanthus
- memacanthus
- jemacanthus
- hemacanthus
- nwmacanthus
- nsmacanthus
- ndmacanthus
- nrmacanthus
- n4macanthus
- n3macanthus
- nenacanthus
- nekacanthus
- nejacanthus
- nemzcanthus
- nemscanthus
- nemwcanthus
- nemqcanthus
- nemaxanthus
- nemavanthus
- nemafanthus
Etymology of NEMACANTHUS
The word "nemacanthus" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "nema", which means "thread" or "filament", and "akantha", which means "thorn" or "spine". The term is commonly used in the scientific names of certain fish species, particularly those that possess long, thread-like spines or fin rays.
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