Phareodus encaustus is readily distinguished by its long pectoral fin and large pointed teeth. The teeth testify to the fish's likely carnivorous behavior, and so too the scales often found preserved in the stomach. In fact, the name means "to have tooth". A member of family Osteoglossidae, it has extant cousins found in Central-South America and Southeast Asia. This is truly an astonishing specimen by all measures, size, preservation and preparation.