Bothriolepis

Bothriolepis (Greek: "pitted scale" or "trench scale") is a widespread, abundant and diverse genus of antiarch placoderms that lived during the Middle to Late Devonianperiod of the Paleozoic Era. Historically, Bothriolepis resided in an array of paleo-environments spread across every paleocontinent, including near shore marine and freshwater settings.[1]  Most species of Bothriolepis were characterized as relatively small, benthic, freshwater detritivores (organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming decomposing plant/animal material), averaging around 30 centimetres (12 in) in length.[2]  However, the largest species, B. maxima, had a carapace about 100 centimetres (39 in) in length. Although expansive with over 60 species found worldwide,[3]  comparatively Bothriolepis is not unusually more diverse than most modern bottom dwelling species around today.[4]