Goetzei

Goetzei is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Early Jurassic epoch. Fossil remains of Goetzei have been found in Europe. This genus is characterized by its primitive features, placing it among the early teleosts, the group that includes most modern bony fishes.

The most notable species within this genus is Goetzei esocoides. The fossils of Goetzei esocoides were first described by E. D. Cope in the late 19th century. These fish were relatively small, with elongated bodies and a single dorsal fin. Their dentition suggests a diet of smaller aquatic organisms.

The discovery of Goetzei has contributed to our understanding of early teleost evolution, providing insights into the diversification of bony fishes during the Mesozoic Era. Its presence in Jurassic freshwater deposits helps reconstruct the ancient aquatic ecosystems of that period. Research on Goetzei continues to refine its taxonomic placement and evolutionary relationships within the broader context of fish paleontology.