The Age of Fishes

The Devonian period began about 419 million years ago and ended 359 million years ago, spanning about 60 million years. It is often called the Age of Fishes because of the increase in diversity and abundance of fishes, especially jawed fishes. This is a photograph of an extinct fish called Brochoadmones milesi, preserved in the rocks of the Northwest Territories. The study of ancient fishes may seem obscure, but it helps us understand the evolutionary history of life on earth and understand the origins of patterns we see today in living organisms. Click here to learn more about the fish collection at the Royal BC Museum.