ilikusias

Ilikusias is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Fossils of ilikusias have been found in deposits in what is now Europe, particularly in regions that were once shallow marine environments. The genus contains at least one described species, ilikusias granulata. These fish are typically characterized by their robust, deep-bodied shape and the presence of ganoid scales, a type of scale covered in a hard, enamel-like substance. The teeth of ilikusias are generally small and numerous, suggesting a diet of small invertebrates or other small aquatic organisms. Their fin structures indicate they were likely swimmers adapted to navigating complex environments like reef systems or vegetated areas. The discovery of ilikusias contributes to our understanding of fish diversity during the Mesozoic era and the evolutionary history of teleost fish. Further research on the fossil material continues to refine our knowledge of their anatomy, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships within the broader context of ancient ichthyofauna.