Scheenstia

Scheenstia is an extinct genus of neopterygian ray-finned fish from the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous of Europe. Fossils have been found in both marine and freshwater environments.

Most species of the genus were previously referred to the related genus Lepidotes, but most Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous species of that genus have since been re-classified as Scheenstia following detailed phylogenetic analysis. It is a member of Lepisosteiformes meaning that its closest living relatives are gars. The teeth of Scheenstia are low and rounded, and were likely used for crushing hard shelled organisms (durophagy). The teeth were replaced synchronously, undergoing a 180 degree rotation during development, unique among vertebrates. It was probably a relatively slow swimmer that was capable of making fine movements in order to remove prey from the seafloor. One species, the marine Scheenstia maximus from the Late Jurassic of Germany, could reach body lengths in excess of 1.5 metres (4.9 ft), likely up to 2 metres (6.6 ft).

The teeth of Scheenstia were historically known as toadstones, and were attributed magical and medicinal properties in Medieval Europe, with some being incorporated into jewelry, including on a crown held at Aachen Cathedral used to coronate Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor.