Cardiffalisci

Cardiffalisci is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Jurassic epoch. Fossil remains of Cardiffalisci have been discovered in the Solnhofen Formation of Bavaria, Germany. This formation is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossils, offering detailed insights into the anatomy of its inhabitants.

The genus Cardiffalisci is characterized by its relatively small size and its distinctive fin morphology. While specific details about its lifestyle and diet are limited due to the scarcity of specimens, it is believed to have been a nektonic organism, meaning it actively swam in the water column. Its jaw structure suggests it likely fed on small invertebrates or plankton.

Cardiffalisci belongs to the order Semionotiformes, an ancient group of ray-finned fishes that were diverse during the Mesozoic Era. The classification of Cardiffalisci within Semionotiformes highlights its evolutionary position among early bony fishes. The discovery of Cardiffalisci contributes to our understanding of fish diversity and evolution during the Jurassic period, a critical time in the development of vertebrate life. Further fossil discoveries are needed to fully elucidate the evolutionary relationships and ecological role of this ancient fish.