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Stethacanthus; Fossil range: 385–318 Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous
	Stethacanthus productus.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia;
Phylum:	Chordata;
Class:	Chondrichthyes;
Subclass:	Elasmobranchii;
Order:	Symmoriida;
Family:	Stethacanthidae;
Genus:	Stethacanthus;
Species
	S. altonensis; S. productus; S. praecursor; S. mirabilis; S. resistens; S. thomasi

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Stethacanthus is an extinct genus of shark which lived in the Late Devonian and Early Carboniferous epochs, around 360 million years ago. Fossils have been found in Europe and North America.

Stethacanthus was around 70 centimetres (2.3 ft) long, and in many respects, had a typical shark-like appearance. However, it is best known for its unusually shaped dorsal fin, which resembled an anvil or ironing board. Small spikes (enlarged versions of the dermal denticles commonly covering shark skin) covered this crest, and the shark's head as well.^[1] Some scientists^[who?] think the crest may have had a function in courtship; others^[who?] think it may have been used for self defense.

[edit] In popular culture

In the 2003 TV documentary Sea Monsters, a spin-off from the 1999 series Walking with Dinosaurs, a Stethacanthus was briefly shown circling a large shark cage before being scared away by a much larger Dunkleosteus. It reappeared in the 2005 prequel series Walking With Monsters, chasing a Hynerpeton, only to be eaten by a Hyneria.
Stethacanthus was featured in Paleoworld, Episode 5 as the first hunting shark, yet prey for predators like the Rhizodont.

[edit] Gallery

A pair of Stethacanthus.

Stethacanthus zangerli.

[edit] References

^ Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 27. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.

Haines, Tim & Chambers, Paul. (2006) The Complete Guide to Prehistoric Life. Canada: Firefly Books Ltd.
[1]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleoworld

[EoDP-0] Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 27. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.

[1]