New coelacanth material from the Middle Triassic of eastern Switzerland, and comments on the taxic diversity of actinistans

A new coelacanth specimen from the Middle Triassic Prosanto Formation in eastern Switzerland reveals anatomical features that challenge previous assumptions about its juvenile status. This sub-complete individual, larger than the holotype of Ticinepomis peyeri, shares diagnostic characters with this species and provides additional details on its branchial apparatus, including relatively large ceratobranchial teeth and possible ossified hypobranchials. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that Ticinepomis is nested within the Latimeriidae family, contributing to a better understanding of post-Palaeozoic coelacanth diversity. The study also assesses taxic diversity trends, suggesting that an Early Triassic peak likely resulted from biological radiation, while a Late Jurassic peak may be attributed to Lagerstätten effects.

Cavin, L., Furrer, H., & Obrist, C. (2013). New coelacanth material from the Middle Triassic of eastern Switzerland, and comments on the taxic diversity of actinistans. Swiss Journal of Geosciences, 106(2), 161–177. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00015-013-0143-7