Ailreolus

Ailreolus is a genus of extinct teleost fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of Ailreolus have been discovered in marine deposits, primarily in Europe. This genus is characterized by a relatively deep body and a large, terminal mouth. Its skeletal structure indicates it was a ray-finned fish, belonging to the order Ophidiiformes, commonly known as cusk-eels and snake eels. The exact ecological role of Ailreolus is not fully understood, but its dentition suggests it may have been a predator, feeding on smaller invertebrates or fish. The fossil record for Ailreolus is limited, with only a few species described, making it a relatively rare find among Cretaceous fish assemblages. Further research and discovery of more complete specimens would be beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding of its anatomy, evolutionary relationships, and paleoenvironment. The genus name itself is derived from Latin and is not readily translated into a common English term.