Sauridae

Sauridae is a proposed clade of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Mesozoic Era. The group is defined by a combination of skeletal features, particularly in the skull and fin structures. While the exact composition and phylogenetic placement of Sauridae are subject to ongoing research and debate within the ichthyological community, it is generally considered to be a lineage that diverged early among the teleosts, the most diverse group of modern bony fishes. Fossil evidence for saurids is primarily found in marine sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Key fossil sites that have yielded remains attributed to Sauridae are located in Europe and Asia. These fossils often exhibit a mosaic of primitive and advanced traits, making their classification challenging. The ecological role of saurids is inferred from their skeletal morphology and the ancient environments in which they are found, suggesting they were likely inhabitants of shallow marine or estuarine waters. Understanding Sauridae contributes to our broader knowledge of early teleost evolution and the diversification of fish life during the age of dinosaurs. Further discoveries and analyses of their fossil record are crucial for refining our understanding of this ancient fish group.