Edestus is an extinct genus of eugeneodont that lived worldwide from the Late Devonian to the Late Carboniferous.
Description[]
All Edestus are known from their teeth. The largest of the genus, Edestus giganteus, could grow up to 6 meters (20 feet), around the size of a great white. Because of how their jaws look, E. giganteus is often dubbed the "scissor-tooth shark". The genus has a history of chimera specimens.
Paleobiology[]
Teeth[]
Edestus grew its teeth like the closely-related Helicoprion, and unlike modern sharks: in brackets, not shedding when worn. In the jaws of Edestus, a single row occurs, appearing like a large pair of pinking shears. Each species has a distinctive bracket curvature and size.
E. giganteus is known from a single set of teeth, now housed at AMNH. From these, research suggests they did not shed worn or broken teeth, instead growing new ones on the gums near the back of their mouths, pushing older teeth to the tip of the jaws. This method is peculiar, and it's particular function is yet-unknown.
Diet[]
Initially, analysis on Edestus teeth presumed these animals were carnivorous, due to their sharp and serrated nature. Until a more complete specimen is found, how they captured, ate and even their appearance is pure speculation based on close ancestors. Edestus giganteus was among the apex predators of their oceans, but how they captured prey is hard to determine. However, research by Wayne M. Itano in 2015 on E. minor teeth wear patterns in Texas deposits discovers they likely thrashed at prey vertically to disarm, cripple, slash and dismember prey. E. giganteus most likely did the same. Thee methods would be unique amongst the animal kingdom. The examination of tooth wear by Itano also revealed Edestus preyed upon rough-skinned animals, though, what kind is unknown.
Species[]
- E. crenulatus?
- E. giganteus
- E. heinrichi
- E. karpinskii?
- E. minisculus?
- E. minor
- E. minsculus?
- E. mirus
- E. newtoni?
- E. serratus?
- E. triserratus?
- E. vorax
Etymology[]
Edestus derives from the Greek "edeste", "to devour". This references how large some Edestus teeth are.