A new large tetrapodomorph sarcopterygian from the Late Devonian of Iran

Remains of a large sarcopterygian were collected in the Middle-Late Devonian Zarand Formation of Southeastern Iran. These remains consist of incomplete jaw bones of uncertain identification, preserved in a dense and heterogeneous rock matrix. The use of CT scan microtomography and 3D visualization enabled unraveling their overall anatomy as well as the microstructure of one tooth. This large tooth shows eusthenodont-type plicidentine, found only in Devonian tetrapodomorph sarcopterygians and more specifically suggesting affinities with the family Tristichopteridae. This discovery constitutes the first occurrence of a large tetrapodomorph in the Devonian of Iran and the Middle East.