New Perleidiform from the Lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of the Northern Grigna (Northern Italy)

A new deep-bodied perleidiform fish, distinguished by its prominent dorsal hump, ornate scales, and unique pencil-like teeth, has been identified from the lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) Buchenstein Formation in Northern Grigna, Italy. This discovery, derived from a single specimen, highlights significant morphological affinities with Felberia and "Dipteronotus" ornatus, suggesting evolutionary links within this group. The study also marks the first documentation of fossil vertebrate remains in the Buchenstein Formation across the Southern Calcareous Alps, underscoring its paleontological importance. Excavations at the site, initiated in 2003, have uncovered approximately 900 fossils—predominantly fish—revealing a diverse fauna akin to that of Monte San Giorgio, despite suboptimal preservation likely due to thermal alteration.

LOMBARDO, C. R. I. S. T. I. N. A., RUSCONI, M. A. R. C. O., & TINTORI, A. N. D. R. E. A. (2008). NEW PERLEIDIFORM FROM THE LOWER LADINIAN (MIDDLE TRIASSIC) OF THE NORTHERN GRIGNA (NORTHERN ITALY). Rivista Italiana Di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia, Vol 114, No 2. https://doi.org/10.13130/2039-4942/5901