Hairingotidae

Hairingotidae is a hypothetical family of extinct teleost fish, proposed based on fragmentary fossil evidence. The name suggests a relationship to the herring and related groups, though its precise taxonomic placement remains uncertain due to the limited nature of the fossils. Discoveries attributed to Hairingotidae have generally been found in sedimentary rock layers dating to the Mesozoic Era, hinting at a potential role in ancient marine ecosystems during the time of the dinosaurs.

The defining characteristics of Hairingotidae are inferred from specific skeletal elements, such as scales and vertebrae. These fossils often exhibit features that align with primitive clupeiform fishes, a diverse order that includes modern herring, sardines, and anchovies. However, the lack of more complete specimens makes it difficult to establish definitive synapomorphies that would clearly link Hairingotidae to any existing or other fossil families within the teleosts. Researchers continue to analyze existing finds and hope for new discoveries that might provide a clearer picture of this ancient lineage and its evolutionary history within the broader context of fish diversification.