Prehistoric Planet Store - Replica fossils including dinosaurs like T. rex, Triceratops, and more!

Sparnodus is an extinct genus of prehistoric perciform fish in the family Sparidae. Species of this genus were nektonic carnivore. These fishes lived in the Cenozoic Era, in Oligocene and Paleocene 55.8 to 23.03 million years ago.

These medium sized fishes usually could reach a length of 30 centimeters (12 in). They had a laterally compressed body, quite gibbous in the forepart, with a single dorsal fin, well developed and supported by strong spines. The anal fin was about half the length of the caudal one and was also equipped with spiny rays. Also, the pectoral fins were long and well developed. The body was covered with large finely wrinkled scales. The mouth was small and had strong conical teeth. They had no palatal teeth nor protracted jaws.

This specimen is middle Eocene from Monte Bolca, Verona, Italy