<I>Rhinconichthys</I> Jaws (IMAGE)

DePaul University

<I>Rhinconichthys</I> Jaws

Caption

Rhinconichthys was estimated to be more than 6.5 feet and fed on plankton. It had a pair of bones called hyomandibulae, which formed a massive oar-shaped lever to protrude and swing the jaws open extra wide, like a parachute, in order to receive more plankton-rich water into its mouth.

Credit

Kenshu Shimada illustration

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