Haldavateles

Haldavateles is a genus of extinct teleost fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil remains of Haldavateles have been found in what is now India. This genus is significant for its contribution to understanding the early evolution of teleost fishes, particularly their diversification in freshwater environments during the Mesozoic Era.

The diagnostic features of Haldavateles include specific arrangements of its fins, scales, and jaw structure, which distinguish it from other known fossil fish from the same period. Its fossilized remains are often found in association with other freshwater fauna, suggesting a habitat in rivers or lakes. The discovery of Haldavateles provides valuable data for paleontologists studying the paleoecology and biogeography of Cretaceous South Asia.

Research on Haldavateles helps to fill gaps in the fossil record of teleost evolution. By analyzing its skeletal morphology, scientists can infer its phylogenetic relationships to modern fish groups and trace the evolutionary pathways that led to the vast diversity of teleosts present today. The limited but important fossil evidence available for Haldavateles underscores the ongoing nature of paleontological discovery and the continuous refinement of our understanding of ancient life.