Unkariksiklopíté

Unkariksiklopíté is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil remains of this fish have been discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. The genus is known from a single species, Unkariksiklopíté mikros, characterized by its relatively small size and distinctive cranial morphology.

The most notable feature of Unkariksiklopíté is the presence of a single, large orbit, or eye socket, located centrally on the skull. This unique feature, which gives the genus its name (combining "Unkari," a reference to the fossil locality, with "cyclops" and "píty" meaning fish), has led to considerable scientific interest and debate regarding its phylogenetic relationships and ecological role. Its exact taxonomic placement within the ray-finned fishes is still under investigation, with some studies suggesting potential affiliations with basal teleosts or other early diverging groups.

The Nemegt Formation is well-known for its diverse dinosaur fauna, and the presence of Unkariksiklopíté alongside these large reptiles provides insight into the broader paleoecosystem of Late Cretaceous Asia. The diet and behavior of Unkariksiklopíté are largely inferred from its skeletal features and the context of its fossil environment. Further research on the limited fossil material available is ongoing to better understand the biology and evolutionary significance of this unusual prehistoric fish.