Orodontiformes

Orodontiformes
Temporal range:
Fossil of Orodus greggi
Life restoration of Orodus cf. micropterygius
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Holocephali
Order: Orodontiformes
Zangerl, 1981

Orodontiformes is an extinct group of cartilaginous fish, known from the Late Devonian and Carboniferous periods. They are part of Euchondrocephali (Holocephali sensu lato), making their closest living relatives chimaeras. Most members are only known from teeth, which are low and rounded, and designed for crushing prey (durophagy). The group in its totality has been described as "undoubtedly artificial" (i.e. non-monophyletic). Several species of Orodus are known from specimens preserving the body as well as the teeth.