lathraios

Lathraios is a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish that lived during the Carboniferous period. Fossil remains of Lathraios have been found in North America and Europe. This ancient shark is characterized by its unusual tooth morphology, which differs significantly from modern sharks. The teeth of Lathraios are generally small and triangular, often with serrated edges, and were likely adapted for shearing or grasping prey.

The paleoecology of Lathraios suggests it inhabited shallow marine environments. Its diet likely consisted of smaller invertebrates and possibly fish, based on the wear patterns observed on its teeth and the general understanding of Carboniferous marine ecosystems. The precise evolutionary relationships of Lathraios are still being studied, but it is thought to be part of the Paleozoic shark radiation, a diverse group of early sharks that occupied various ecological niches.

Fossil discoveries have provided insights into the skeletal structure of Lathraios, revealing a body shape consistent with active swimming. Like other chondrichthyans, Lathraios possessed a cartilaginous skeleton rather than bone. The limited number of fossil specimens makes detailed reconstructions challenging, but ongoing research continues to shed light on this fascinating prehistoric creature. Its existence highlights the diversity of cartilaginous fishes that existed millions of years ago.