Ichthyodectiformes
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Ichthyodectiformes is an extinct order of marine stem-teleost ray-finned fish. The order is named after the genus Ichthyodectes, established by Edward Drinker Cope in 1870. Ichthyodectiforms are usual
Ichthyodectidae 2
Thrissops cf formosus 01
Aspidorhynchus NT
Pholidophorus NT
Xiphactinus
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Xiphactinus is an extinct genus of large predatory marine ray-finned fish that lived during the late Albian to the late Maastrichtian. The genus grew up to 5–6 metres in length, and superficially rese
Ichthyodectiformes
…a rare example of non-predatory ichthyodectiform, more likely to be microphagous, fed on small particles. There is evidence that at least one species, Xiphactinus audax, may have been endothermic ("warm-blooded"). Another genus, Dugaldia, may have been able to laterally open its mouth extremely wide in a manner akin…
Xiphactinus AMNH
Detailed view of the skull of Xiphactinus at the American Museum of Natural History
Xiphactinus compared to other ichthyodectids
Depiction of a Xiphactinus swallowing a Gillicus