Barameda

Barameda (Indigenous Australian language: "fish trap") is an extinct genus of rhizodont from the Tournaisian of Australia.

The species:

• †Barameda decipiens
• †Barameda mitchelli

Description

Barameda had an elongated and thick body typical of Carboniferous rhizodonts, for powerful swimming and out-powering any prey larger than itself. It was covered with moderately thin, cycloidal scales.

Paleoecology

Barameda was probably a benthic ambush predator, attacking other fishes and possibly early tetrapods. It used a grab-and-drag strategy, using its fangs to snag prey and either thrash them, or simply drag them down into the water.

References

1. Long, John A. (1989-03-30). "A new rhizodontiform fish from the Early Carboniferous of Victoria, Australia, with remarks on the phylogenetic position of the group". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Retrieved 1 August 1986.