Verdunius

Verdunius is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Devonian period. Fossils attributed to Verdunius have been found in marine deposits, suggesting it inhabited ancient seas. The genus was first described by paleontologist J. D. Stewart in 1995, based on specimens recovered from the Gogo Formation in Western Australia, a well-known lagerstätte for Devonian marine life.

Fossil evidence indicates that Verdunius possessed a fusiform body shape, typical of many fish adapted for swimming. Its skeletal structure, particularly the skull and fin rays, has been a subject of study for understanding early ray-finned fish evolution. While detailed information on its specific diet and behavior is limited due to the nature of fossilization, its dentition, where preserved, provides clues about its feeding habits. The Gogo Formation's exceptional preservation allows for detailed examination of its external morphology and some internal structures, contributing to our understanding of Devonian ecosystems. The scientific classification of Verdunius places it within the actinopterygian lineage, a major group of bony fish that includes the vast majority of extant fish species. Its discovery and ongoing research provide insights into the diversification and early evolution of this important vertebrate group during the Paleozoic Era.