Acutipinnis

Acutipinnis is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil remains of acutipinnis have been found in marine sedimentary deposits, primarily in what is now Europe. The genus was first described in the early 20th century based on incomplete skeletal remains.

The name "acutipinnis" is derived from Latin words meaning "sharp fin," referring to the presumed morphology of its fins based on fossil evidence. Like other bony fishes of its time, acutipinnis possessed a vertebral column, fins supported by bony rays, and scales covering its body. Its exact ecological role and specific diet remain subjects of ongoing research due to the limited nature of the fossil record.

The discovery of acutipinnis contributes to our understanding of fish diversity during the Mesozoic Era and the evolutionary history of teleost fish. Paleontologists study these fossils to reconstruct ancient aquatic ecosystems and to trace the lineage of modern fish groups. Further discoveries of more complete specimens could provide greater insight into the anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationships of acutipinnis. The current understanding of this genus is based on isolated skeletal elements, making detailed reconstructions challenging.