Exocoetoides

Exocoetoides is a genus of prehistoric ray-finned fish. [2]

Exocoetoides
Temporal range: Upper Cretaceous
Fossil of Exocoetoides minor. Cenomanian of Haqel, Lebanon
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Infraphylum:
Gnathostomata
Superclass:
Osteichthyes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Order:
Aulopiformes
Family:
Cheirothricidae
Genus:
Exocoetoides

Davis, 1887 [1]

Etymology

The Latin genus name is derived from its resemblance to Exocoetes, a modern-day flying fish. [3]

Description

Exocoetoides species could reach a body length of about 3–7 mm (0.12–0.28 in). The main characteristic of these decidedly small fishes was given by the extreme development of the even fins. In particular, the pectoral fins were particularly long (they could reach the anal region). Also the pelvic fins were large. Moreover the fins were provided with very long rays. In the caudal fin both lobes were the same size.

Like today's modern-day flying fish they were also likely to perform a sort of gliding flight over water, thanks to the notable expansion of the pectoral and pelvic fins.

Fossil record

These fishes were widespread in the ancient Tethys Ocean, in the areas currently occupied by the Middle East and Europe. They lived in the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian - Santonian, about 95 - 85 million years ago). Their fossils have been found in Lebanon and in Europe (Croatia).

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Note: This article has been expanded using material based on a translation of an article from the Italian Wikipedia.

References
  1. Davis, J.W. 1887. The fossil fishes of the chalk of Mount Lebanon, in Syria. Scientific Transactions of the Royal Dublin Society, 2(3): 457–636, pl. 14-38.
  2. Paleobiology Database
  3. Fossil Museum


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