Paulikanavia

Paulikanavia is a genus of fossil ray-finned fish from the Late Cretaceous period. These ancient fish are primarily known from fossilized remains discovered in the deposits of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin in what is now the Czech Republic. The genus was first described in 1932 by J. Špinar.

The type species, Paulikanavia bohemica, is the most well-documented member of the genus. Fossils of Paulikanavia indicate that these fish were relatively small, likely inhabiting freshwater or brackish environments. Their skeletal structure suggests adaptations for a life spent near the bottom of these ancient waterways.

Paleontological studies of Paulikanavia have contributed to our understanding of fish diversity and evolution during the Cretaceous. The specific geological formations where Paulikanavia is found provide valuable context for reconstructing the ecosystems of that era. While not as widely known as some other dinosaur-era fossils, Paulikanavia represents an important component of the prehistoric fauna of Central Europe. Ongoing research continues to refine our knowledge of this extinct genus and its place in the broader evolutionary history of fish.