Cladoselache is a genus of extinct shark that first appeared in the Devonian period. Cladoselache was characterized by broad-based paired fins, a short stout bony spine preceding the first of the two dorsal fins, and a large lunate tail-fin. Often cited as among the best known, earliest, and/or most primitive of the early chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes including modern chimaeroids, sharks and rays), Cladoselache now appears ill defined and poorly diagnosed. Most of the best fossil specimens of Cladoselache are from the Upper Devonian Cleveland Shales, and include complete individuals of around 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Several of these have mineralized traces of soft tissues, including much of the superficial jaw and gill musculature, and even apparent traces of internal organs such a
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| - Cladoselache
- Cladoselache
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| - Cladoselache is a genus of extinct shark that first appeared in the Devonian period. Cladoselache was characterized by broad-based paired fins, a short stout bony spine preceding the first of the two dorsal fins, and a large lunate tail-fin. Often cited as among the best known, earliest, and/or most primitive of the early chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes including modern chimaeroids, sharks and rays), Cladoselache now appears ill defined and poorly diagnosed. Most of the best fossil specimens of Cladoselache are from the Upper Devonian Cleveland Shales, and include complete individuals of around 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Several of these have mineralized traces of soft tissues, including much of the superficial jaw and gill musculature, and even apparent traces of internal organs such a
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| - Artist's rendition of Cladoselache.
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| Species
| - *C. clarkii
*C. elegans
*C. fyleri
*C. kepleri
*C. magnificus
*C. mirabilis
*C. newmani
*C. pattersoni
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| - Cladoselache is a genus of extinct shark that first appeared in the Devonian period. Cladoselache was characterized by broad-based paired fins, a short stout bony spine preceding the first of the two dorsal fins, and a large lunate tail-fin. Often cited as among the best known, earliest, and/or most primitive of the early chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes including modern chimaeroids, sharks and rays), Cladoselache now appears ill defined and poorly diagnosed. Most of the best fossil specimens of Cladoselache are from the Upper Devonian Cleveland Shales, and include complete individuals of around 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Several of these have mineralized traces of soft tissues, including much of the superficial jaw and gill musculature, and even apparent traces of internal organs such as the kidneys. The dentition consists of small tricuspid teeth in which the central cusp is largest; the body is mostly naked except for compound scales on the head and fins. No specimens of Cladoselache are known to have claspers—the sex organs of male chondrichthyans used for internal fertilization (otherwise preserved as skeletal rods extending from the rear of the hind set of paired fins). This primitive shark grew to be up to 6 feet (1.8 m) long and roamed the oceans of North America. It is known to be a fast moving and fairly agile predator due to its streamline body and deep forked tail. Cladoselache is one of the best known of the early sharks in part to the well preserved fossils that were discovered on the 'Cleveland Shale' on the south shore of Lake Erie. In addition to the skeleton, the fossils were so well-preserved that they included traces of skin, muscle fibers, and internal organs, such as the kidneys.
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