Paredestus fossil map
Where fossils of Paredestus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 252 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 252 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Ancient fish & sharks |
|---|---|
| Lived | 250.8–248.6 million years ago |
| Periods | Triassic |
| Named by | Mutter and Neuman 2008 |
| Fossil records | 1 occurrences at 1 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | Canada |
| Rock formations | Sulphur Mountain |
About Paredestus
Paredestus (meaning "near Edestus") is a monotypic genus of extinct eugeneodont holocephalan from the Early Triassic of Canada. The type and only species, P. bricircum ('short wheel') represents the last known member of the superfamily Edestoidea and among the last known eugeneodonts. It was named in 2008 based on tooth and jaw material, with the holotype representing the only known specimen.
Paredestus is known from a partial skull preserving part of the lower symphyseal tooth whorl, remains of surrounding pavement teeth and what may represent additional large mesially positioned teeth, as well as dermal denticles and remains of the upper dentition. The tooth crowns of the whorl are described as decreasing in size anteriorly, with the largest of the broad, blade-like crowns sitting towards the back of the mouth. Weathering of the fossil makes it difficult to determine the precise anatomy of the teeth, but their appearance is most similar to that of edestids, which this genus may be a member of. Like other eugeneodontids, it was a marine predator.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Paredestus (revision 1370057090), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q129908432.
