Diplacanthidae

/ˌdɪpləˈkænθɪˌdeɪ/ noun

Definition

An extinct family of small spiny fish from the Paleozoic era, characterized by two pairs of spines.

Etymology

From Greek di- (two) + akantha (spine) + -idae (family suffix). Named for their distinctive double-spine arrangement, this family was identified in 19th-century paleontology.

Kelly Says

These ancient fish had weird armor-like spines sticking out—imagine a fish covered in sharp points that evolved for some reason we still don't fully understand!

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