title: Sparnodus
text: # Sparnodus
  
  Sparnodus is an extinct genus of prehistoric perciform fish in the family Sparidae. Species of this genus were nektonic carnivore. These fishes lived in the Cenozoic Era, in Oligocene and Paleocene (55.8 to 23.03 Ma).
  
  ## Species
  
  * Sparnodus altivelis
  * Sparnodus elongatus
  * Sparnodus macrophthalmus
  * Sparnodus micracanthus
  * Sparnodus ovalis
  * Sparnodus vulgaris
  
  ## Description
  
  These medium-sized fishes usually could reach a length of 30 centimetres (12 in). They had a laterally compressed body, quite gibbous in the forepart, with a single dorsal fin, well developed and supported by strong spines. The anal fin was about half the length of the caudal one and was also equipped with spiny rays. Also the pectoral fins were long and well developed. The body was covered with large finely wrinkled scales. The mouth was small and had strong conical teeth. They had no palatal teeth nor protracted jaws.
  
  * Fossil of Sparnodus elongatus from Monte Bolca
  * Fossil of Sparnodus macrophthalmus from Monte Bolca
  * Fossil of Sparnodus micracanthus
  