Millerosteus minor (Miller)
Model of Millerosteus minor (by P.H.de Buisonjé).
Complete specimen with tail.
If this species was found at the same horizon as Coccosteus cuspidatus and not higher up in the Mey Subgroup it would probably have been described as a juvenile C. cuspidatus. However, the fish does not grow any larger than 15-20 cm, while Coccosteus cuspidatus can reach lengths of 40-50 cm. All sizes of M. minor are known from the very small of up to 20 cm in total length. Also, this fish has tiny tooth like structures on its lower jaw. Perhaps it preyed on the acanthodian Mesacanthus or small invertebrates.
Specimen missing most of the tail.
Reconstruction in lateral view (after Desmond, 1974 ©)
Specimen in dorsal view.
Close-up of the head of specimen above.
Reconstruction in dorsal view (after Desmond, 1974 ©)
Reconstruction in ventral view (after Desmond, 1974 ©)
Median dorsal plate and reconstruction (after Desmond, 1974 ©).
Nuchal plates in external and internal view.
Reconstruction of nuchal plates in external and internal view, (after Desmond, 1974 ©)
Complete but weathered fish.
Most likely a baby Millerosteus.
