In Depth
Gyroptychius was a streamlined lobe-finned fish that is so far known from Western Europe, specifically Scotland. Like with many of its relatives, Most of the fins on Gyroptychius were situated more towards the rear of the body (with the exception of the pectoral fins, an arrangement that would have increased the ability of the tail to push against the water and propel the fish forwards. Like many other genera, Gyroptychius is also noted as having short jaws. These jaws meant that Gyroptychius had a higher bite force, not by physical strength of the muscles, but because the force of the jaw closing muscles were nearer the point of jaw articulation. The principal of this is the same as if you use a pair of long nose pliers, using just the tips allows you to reach things, but placing things near the point of articulation allows you to more easily crush things.
Further Reading
– Gyroptychius (Rhipidistia, Osteolepidae) from the Middle Devonian of Scotland – Annals and Magazine of Natural History Series 13 – Keith Stewart Thomson.
