Named By: | Richard Lund in 1980 |
Time Period: | Bashkirian |
Location: | USA, Montana - Heath Formation |
Size: | Uncertain |
Diet: | Carnivore |
Fossil(s): | Numerous individuals but mostly of juveniles and aborted foetuses |
Classification: | | Chordata | Chondrichthyes | Holocephali | |
Delphyodontos dacriformes is a prehistoric holocephalid fish from the middle Carboniferous-aged Bear Gulch Limestone Lagerstatte, during the Bashkirian Stage in Montana. The adult form is unknown, as the only fossil specimens are of aborted fetuses or recently born young. Sharp teeth and fecal matter in the fossils suggests that Delphyodontos practiced intrauterine cannibalism, like some modern sharks, such as gray reef sharks.