Dunkleosteus is a combination of the Greek word for bone, "osteon," and the last name of American paleontologist David Dunkle. Dunkle is known for his work on fish fossils and vertebrate paleontology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

It is a placoderm known for its voracious appetite and great speed and power, is one of the largest of its kind to have existed. It is considered a fierce predator from the Late Devonian era, also known as the "Age of Fishes."

The Dunkleosteus, known for its massive size, can weigh up to 8000 pounds (3600 kg) and reach lengths of 346 inches (8.8 m). There are 10 known species of Dunkleosteus, including D. terrelli, D. Belgicus, D. denisoni, D. marsaisi, D. magnificus, D. missouriensis, D. newberryi, D. amblyodoratus, and D. raveri.

They were known for their formidable strength and the ability to quickly move their jaws, making them efficient hunters. Fossils of this species have been found in various locations including North America, Morocco, Poland, and Belgium.

The Dunkleosteus is a captivating animal, but little is known about it due to its extinction and ancient existence (360-370 million years ago). Despite the limited information available, significant findings have been gathered through the examination of fossils and reconstructions.

It was found to have a bony and armored exterior, consisting of two pairs of sharp plates that form a beak-like shape. Through reconstructions, it was discovered that some species of Dunkleosteus had pectoral fins, indicating that the fin pattern in placoderms was greatly influenced by the need for mobility.

Dunkleosteus terrelli is characterized by its resemblance to sharks and a distinct front lobe on its tail. It was the most powerful fish of the Late Devonian era, reported to reach lengths of 346 inches (8.8 m) and weights of up to 8000 pounds (3600 kg), making it one of the largest placoderms to ever exist.

It is known for its massive and muscular build and its enormous biting force which allowed it to easily crush ancient sharks. It is one of the largest fish species to have ever existed, weighing up to 8000 pounds (3600 kg).

According to legend, Dunkleosteus was not a strong swimmer. It lived in shallow seas and oceans, where its thick, bony body and armor-like bone structure provided protection against other species. It did not need to venture deep into the sea to find food, as it was abundant in its habitat.

They had a unique mechanism called a four-bar linkage, which enabled them to open their jaws quickly and exert a powerful biting force. The pressure generated helped the Dunkleosteus to cut through any cuticle, dental structure, or armor.

It is believed that Dunkleosteus not only preyed on ammonites, other placoderm fish, sharks, and other free-swimming species but also consumed fish of its own species when hungry. This is supported by the presence of fish bones and other semi-digested or indigested materials found in their fossils.

The exact habitat of Dunkleosteus is uncertain, but it has been found in shallow oceans worldwide. It is believed to have been one of the first creatures to reproduce sexually through the process of egg fertilization. The lifespan of Dunkleosteus is unknown, but it existed during the Devonian period, around 360-370 million years ago.

Dunkleosteus is considered one of the most dangerous sea predators due to its cannibalistic nature and its ability to bend metal. Its armored body and other characteristics make it one of the most formidable placoderms.