🌎 380-million-year-old air-breathing fish fossil unearthed in Australia

It’s time to introduce a new species of ancient lobe-finned fish — thanks to fossils recently unearthed in Australia. The sleek creature has been described as having ‘unique biological features,’ including huge fangs and bony scales. We also now know these fish roamed Earth’s seas roughly 380 million years ago (the Late Devonian).

But what adds to the intrigue is the existence of large holes in the upper part of the fish's skull. These spiracular structures are believed to have aided in surface air-breathing, allowing the fish to take in air at the water's surface. To see images and gain more insights, check out today's Must Read.

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Scientists announce a new predatory marine creature that once thrived in what is now Australia when rivers flowed over the now-dry landscape. Fossil analysis reveals the newly discovered fish species named Harajicadectes zhumini lived 380 million years ago.

Large holes in the fish’s skull indicate air-breathing adaptabilities to supplement gill respiration. This makes sense considering the Mid to Late- Devonian times coincided with low atmospheric oxygen levels.

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