Damalichthys

Damalichthys is a genus of prehistoric ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Damalichthys kadikoffi, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota, USA. The fossil consists of a partial skull and several vertebrae, providing valuable insights into the anatomy and evolution of early teleosts.

Damalichthys kadikoffi is notable for its unique combination of primitive and derived features. The fish exhibits a mix of characteristics seen in both early and more advanced ray-finned fish, suggesting a transitional stage in the evolution of teleosts. The skull of Damalichthys is relatively small and lacks the complex structures seen in later teleosts, while the vertebrae show some advanced features such as the presence of neural spines and a well-developed hypural plate.

The discovery of Damalichthys has contributed to our understanding of the early diversification of ray-finned fish. Its transitional nature indicates that the evolution of teleosts involved a gradual process of morphological change, rather than a single, abrupt event. The genus provides a valuable link between more primitive ray-finned fish and the diverse array of modern teleosts.

Damalichthys kadikoffi is named in honor of the paleontologist Robert Kadikoff, who made significant contributions to the study of Mesozoic fish. The genus and species name, Damalichthys kadikoffi, reflect the importance of this fossil in advancing our knowledge of early teleost evolution.