In Depth Protosphyraena means ‘early Sphyraena’, a reference to the Sphyraena genus which includes the modern day barracuda. This all came down to the original interpretation of the first fossils which were very much like those of barracuda. However, later fossil examples of Protosphyraena revealed it to be more swordfish-like in appearance, though it must … Read more
In Depth Birgeria are a genus of fish that lived during the Triassic. The body form and broad range of fossil distribution strongly suggest that Birgeria were open water (pelagic) fish that swam throughout the open ocean. The body seems to have been very smooth and the tail deeply vaned, adaptations that support efficient and … Read more
In Depth Palaeoniscum was a predatory fish from the late Permian. The genus displays the continuing trend towards faster swimming for a more active predatory lifestyle. Palaeoniscum still had however air sacs on the underside of its jaw which could be inflated at will. These would have acted like rudimentary swim bladders for controlling buoyancy … Read more