megatrygonids

Megatrygonids are a hypothetical group of extinct cartilaginous fishes belonging to the order Myliobatiformes. The name suggests a potential lineage of exceptionally large stingrays or eagle rays that may have existed in prehistoric oceans. While no definitive fossil evidence directly representing a distinct "megatrygonid" group has been formally described, the concept arises from the known diversity and size of fossil rays. Paleontologists sometimes speculate about the existence of giant precursors to modern ray families based on fragmented remains or the evolutionary trajectory of related taxa.

The study of fossil rays, including their teeth and dermal denticles, provides clues about their past diversity and ecological roles. Myliobatiformes, the order to which megatrygonids would hypothetically belong, includes a wide range of extant species exhibiting significant variation in size and morphology. Some modern eagle rays and giant freshwater stingrays can reach impressive dimensions, leading to speculation about whether even larger forms may have roamed ancient seas. Future fossil discoveries could potentially shed light on such hypothetical lineages.