Prestonichidae

Prestonichidae is an extinct family of ray-finned fishes that lived during the Late Triassic period. The fossils of Prestonichidae have primarily been found in marine deposits in Europe and North America. This family is characterized by a unique combination of features, including a robust body shape, a dorsal fin extending along a significant portion of the back, and specialized jaw structures.

The genus Prestonia, the type genus for the family, was first described from specimens found in the Late Triassic beds of England. Other notable genera include Colobodus, which has a wider distribution across Europe. The fossil record indicates that Prestonichidae occupied a niche as likely bottom-dwelling or near-bottom feeders. Their dentition suggests a diet consisting of hard-shelled invertebrates, such as mollusks and crustaceans, which they were able to crush and consume.

The ecological role of Prestonichidae within their Late Triassic marine ecosystems is still under investigation, but their presence indicates a diverse ichthyofauna during this transitional period in Earth's history. The extinction of Prestonichidae, like many other Mesozoic fish families, is not fully understood but likely relates to broader environmental changes and competition with emerging fish groups. Their study provides valuable insights into the evolution of fishes during the Mesozoic Era and the eventual diversification of modern fish lineages.