Bajaichthys

Bajaichthys
Temporal range: Lutetian
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Lampriformes
Family: incertae sedis
Genus: Bajaichthys
Species: B. elegans
Sorbini 1983 [1]

Bajaichthys elegans is an extinct Lutetian lamprid from the Monte Bolca Lagerstatten.

Anatomy and appearance

The holotype is four centimeters in length. It has a deep, oblong-shaped body, a deep, but short head, a long tail composed of 27 caudal vertebrae, a long, crest-like dorsal fin, a long, banner-like anal fin with 29 to 30 rays running from the posterior region of the body down the entire length of the tail, and two enormous, wing-like pelvic fins.[1]

The holotype (and only known specimen) is regarded as the remains of a larval ("youthful") form due to its small size and due to its strong similarity to the larval form of trachypterid ribbonfish.[1]

Taxonomic Status

B. elegans' taxonomic status remains unclear as it combines features of both taeniosomid lamprids (i.e., its larval form resembles those of oarfish and ribbonfish), and of bathysomid lamprids (the anatomy of the pelvis is extremely similar to that of sailfins[1])

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Sorbini, L., Bottura, C., "Bajaichthys elegans, AN EOCENE LAMPRIDIFORM FROM BOLCA (ITALY)" Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Verona 1987

External links

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