Chetrosus

Chetrosus is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of Chetrosus have been found in deposits in North America. This genus is characterized by its relatively large size for a Cretaceous fish, with some specimens suggesting lengths of up to a meter. Anatomical features indicate that Chetrosus was likely a predatory fish, adapted to an active lifestyle in its marine environment.

The exact taxonomic placement of Chetrosus has been a subject of ongoing research. Early classifications placed it within the order Osteoglossiformes, but more recent analyses suggest potential affinities with other groups. Its robust build and specialized dentition point towards a diet of smaller fish and invertebrates. The discovery of Chetrosus fossils provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of fish communities during the Mesozoic Era, particularly in the Western Interior Seaway. Further fossil discoveries and detailed comparative anatomy are expected to refine our understanding of Chetrosus and its place within the broader context of fish phylogeny.