Geraldatusi

Geraldatusi is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils attributed to Geraldatusi have been discovered in various locations, primarily within what is now North America. The genus was first described in the early 21st century based on fossilized remains that exhibit distinctive skeletal features.

These fish are characterized by their specific fin ray counts and the morphology of their skull and vertebral column. Analysis of their fossilized teeth and jaw structure suggests that Geraldatusi were likely predatory or opportunistic feeders, though the precise details of their diet remain a subject of ongoing research. Their habitat is inferred to have been freshwater or brackish water environments, given the geological context in which their fossils are found.

The evolutionary relationships of Geraldatusi are still being investigated. Current research places them within the order Amiiformes, a group that includes modern bowfin. However, their exact position within this order and their specific adaptations to their environment are areas of active scientific inquiry. The discovery and study of Geraldatusi contribute to our understanding of fish diversity and evolution during the Mesozoic Era.