Bothriolepis

Bothriolepis (Greek; meaning "pitted scale" or "trench scale") is a widespread, abundant and diverse genus of antiarch placoderms, that was present during the Middle to Late Devonian period of the Paleozoic Era. Historically, Bothriolepis resided in an array of paleo-environments spread across every continent including near shore marine and freshwater settings. Most species of Bothriolepis were characterized as relatively small, benthic, freshwater detritivores (organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming decomposing plant/animal material), averaging around 30 centimetres (12 in) in length. However, the largest species, B. maxima, had a carapace about 100 centimetres (39 in) in length. Although expansive with over 70 species found worldwide, comparatively Bothriolepis is not unusually more diverse than most modern bottom dwelling species around today