Falcatus falcatus (St. John and Worthen 1883; Lund 1985; Serpukhovian, Late Carboniferous; 30cm) is traditionally considered a primitive ratfish in which males develop an antler from their dorsal spine. Here it nests with basal sharks. Distinct from extant ratfish, the jaw joint remains far behind the orbit and the tail retains a large upper and lower lobe. Lateral fins are shown in the published diagram, but could not be found in the fossil. Claspers are visible in this presumed male. |
