Teikuma

Teikuma is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil remains of Teikuma have been found in what is now North America, specifically in the Western Interior Seaway region. The genus is known from a limited number of fossil specimens, primarily consisting of skull fragments, vertebrae, and fin elements. These fossils suggest that Teikuma was a relatively small to medium-sized fish, likely inhabiting shallow marine environments.

Scientific classification places Teikuma within the order Amiiformes, a group that includes modern-day bowfin. However, Teikuma possessed distinct anatomical features that differentiate it from its living relatives. Its dentition, for example, indicates a predatory diet, likely consisting of smaller invertebrates or fish. The structure of its fins suggests it was a moderately agile swimmer, capable of navigating its Cretaceous habitat.

The discovery of Teikuma contributes to our understanding of the diversity of fish life that existed in ancient oceans. Its presence in the Western Interior Seaway highlights the rich and varied ecosystems that characterized this extensive inland sea. Research into Teikuma continues, with ongoing analysis of existing fossils and the potential for new discoveries to further illuminate its evolutionary history and ecological role.