styracophorum

Styracophorum is a taxonomic term that refers to a group of extinct marine reptiles, specifically a subgroup within the placodonts. Placodonts were a diverse order of marine reptiles that lived during the Triassic period. Styracophorum, meaning "stegosaur-bearers" in Greek, was characterized by the presence of bony armor, often in the form of plates, spikes, or scutes, covering their bodies. This protective armor is a defining feature of the group.

Fossils attributed to Styracophorum have been found in various locations around the world, primarily in Europe. These reptiles were generally of medium to large size and possessed a flattened body, with some species exhibiting adaptations for crushing hard-shelled prey, such as mollusks. Their dental structures often reflected this durophagous diet. The exact phylogenetic relationships within Styracophorum and their precise placement within the broader placodont evolutionary tree have been subjects of ongoing scientific research and debate. The distinct defensive ornamentation is a key distinguishing characteristic that sets them apart from other placodont lineages.