Priscacara serrata
GRI #1311
Priscacara serrata was a freshwater omnivore, meaning it consumed both plant and animal matter, and could grow to over 40 cm in length (Grande, 2013). Among its distinctive anatomical features are the hard rays that make up the anterior dorsal fin and the anterior part of the anal fin (Frickhinger, 1995), and a posteriorly serrated preopercular bone (see close-up). In addition to small, caniniform teeth on the dentary bone (see close-up), P. serrata possessed grinding tooth plates in its pharynx covered with molar-like teeth (see close-up), probably for crushing snails and crustaceans. The stout spines and deep, laterally compressed body shape—also seen in many modern reef fish families—were traits that may have helped P. serrata defend itself from being swallowed by piscivorous fish (Mihalitsis & Bellwood, 2017).
Close-up of caniniform (subconical) associated with the dentary bone.
Close-up of molar-like, obtuse teeth originally placed at the back of the throat.
Close-up of the posteriorly serrated preopercular bone.
Close-up of the hard rays of the anterior dorsal fin.
References:
Frickhinger, K.A., 1995. Fossil Atlas, fishes. Transl. by R. P. S. Jefferies. Melle, Blacksburg, VA: Mergus, Publ. for Natural History and Pet Books, Baensch Tetra Press. p. 866.
Grande, L., 2013. The lost world of Fossil Lake: Snapshots from deep time. University of Chicago Press. p. 425.
Mihalitsis, M., and Bellwood, D.R., 2017. A morphological and functional basis for maximum prey size in piscivorous fishes. PLoS ONE, 12(9), e0184679. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184679.