allaxis

Allaxis is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Jurassic epoch. Fossils of Allaxis have been found in the Solnhofen Limestone Formation of Bavaria, Germany. This formation is renowned for its exceptional preservation of delicate fossil specimens, including those of airborne and marine life.

Allaxis is characterized by its rhomboid body shape and a long, pointed snout. Its fins are relatively small and rounded. The skeletal structure of Allaxis indicates it was a moderately active swimmer, likely inhabiting shallow marine environments. The precise ecological role of Allaxis within its ancient ecosystem is not fully understood, but it is presumed to have been a predator, feeding on smaller invertebrates or fish.

The genus Allaxis was first described by the paleontologist Arnold in 1953. Since its initial discovery, several specimens have been unearthed, providing valuable insights into its morphology and evolutionary relationships. While its taxonomic classification has been debated, Allaxis is generally considered to belong to the order Pachycormiformes, an extinct group of ray-finned fishes known for their large size and distinctive features. The discovery of Allaxis contributes to our understanding of fish diversity during the Jurassic period and the evolutionary history of teleost fish.