Fossil Profile: Vexopodus

Eusthenopods are a clade of terrestrial latapod Placoderm that likely diverged from other hexadactyls in the middle Carboniferous. Most groups subsisted on leaves, stems, and roots, though some groups have been suggested to be partial durophages from their dentition. Because of the lack of carnivorous bipods in their early evolutionary history, most eusthenopods are too big to be threatened by most terrestrial predators as adults. Because of this, many clades have developed elaborate mating rituals and displays in sexual selection. The flag-like display structures exhibited by this individual was preserved excellently, and hints at its possible use in courtship. Much like their extant relatives, these eusthenopods, given the genus name Vexopodus, might have rapidly raised and dropped their displays.