Kohoumia

Kohoumia is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Jurassic period. Fossils of Kohoumia have been found in marine deposits in what is now Europe. The genus was first described in 1984 by Dr. James W. Stout based on fossil specimens from the Solnhofen Formation in Germany.

The exact phylogenetic placement of Kohoumia within ray-finned fishes is not fully resolved, but it is generally considered to belong to the order Pachycormiformes, an ancient group of large, deep-bodied fish. These fish were characterized by their robust skeletons and large scales.

Reconstructions of Kohoumia suggest it was a moderately sized fish, likely measuring around 30-40 centimeters in length. Its body shape was probably fusiform, adapted for swimming in marine environments. Like other pachycormiforms, it possessed a heterocercal tail fin, with the vertebral column extending into the upper lobe, providing powerful thrust. The jaw structure indicates it was likely a predator, feeding on smaller invertebrates or fish. The fins were well-developed, suggesting it was an active swimmer.

The discovery of Kohoumia contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of fish during the Mesozoic Era, a time of significant diversification for marine life. Its presence in the Solnhofen Lagerstätte, known for its exceptional preservation, has provided valuable insights into its morphology and potential ecology.