atitinkanius

Atitinkanius is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossil remains of atitinkanius have been discovered in what is now Argentina, specifically within the Allen Formation. This formation is known for its diverse dinosaur fauna, and the presence of atitinkanius adds to the understanding of the aquatic life that coexisted with these terrestrial giants.

The genus was first described by Francisco J. de la Vega in 1987. The type species, Atitinkanius aglioi, is known from partial skeletal remains. These fossils indicate that atitinkanius was a relatively small fish, likely adapted to freshwater environments. While detailed anatomical descriptions are limited due to the fragmentary nature of the fossils, initial studies suggest it possessed characteristics typical of teleost fish. Further research on its bone structure and potential fossilized soft tissues, if found, could provide more insights into its diet, locomotion, and evolutionary relationships within the broader group of ray-finned fishes. The discovery of atitinkanius contributes to the paleontological record of South American freshwater ecosystems during the Mesozoic Era.