Spinkas

Spinkas is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Jurassic period. These fish are known from fossilized remains found in the Solnhofen Limestone of Bavaria, Germany. Spinkas are characterized by their relatively small size, elongated bodies, and a distinctive arrangement of fin rays. Their scales were cycloid, meaning they were small, rounded, and overlapped like shingles.

The diet of Spinkas is not precisely known, but their teeth suggest they were likely microcarnivores, preying on small invertebrates or zooplankton. The Solnhofen Limestone is a Lagerstätte, an exceptional fossil deposit that preserves fine details, and the Spinkas fossils are no exception. They often exhibit remarkable preservation, allowing for detailed study of their anatomy.

Spinkas belongs to the order Pachycormiformes, a group of primitive bony fish that were common in the Mesozoic seas. The exact phylogenetic position of Spinkas within Pachycormiformes is still a subject of scientific discussion, with different studies offering varying interpretations. The discovery of Spinkas has contributed to our understanding of fish evolution during the Jurassic period and the diverse marine ecosystems of that time.