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Pharyngolepis is an extinct genus of primitive jawless fish that lived in the Silurian period. This is an anaspid, means an extinct small freshwater jawless fish usually having a heterocercal tail and an armored head; of the Silurian and Devonian

Pharyngolepis had well-developed anal and caudal fins, but no paired or dorsal fins to stabilise the body. Because of this lacking fins Pharyngolepis was a very poor, awkward and an inefficient swimmer.

Around its chest region it had some spikes, possibly for protection against predators. A row of crested scales ran along its back and a pair of bony spines projected from the pectoral area.

The pectoral fins were instead replaced by bony spines and there was a row of spines along the back. Pharyngolepis feeding method was probably to plow through the bottom sediment, scooping up tiny food particles in its rounded mouth.

Pharyngolepis facts: