A New Species of Saurichthys (Actinopterygii: Saurichtydae) from the Middle Triassic of Monte San Giorgio

Researchers have identified a new species of the actinopterygian fish genus Saurichthys from the Middle Triassic Sceltrich beds of Monte San Giorgio. This discovery highlights unique adaptations in its fin structure—unsegmented lepidotrichia and elongated, wide paired fins—which suggest specialized swimming and predatory behaviors distinct from other Saurichthys species. Phylogenetic analysis further indicates a close relationship with the Saurorhynchus species group, expanding our understanding of the genus's evolutionary plasticity and functional diversity during the Triassic period.

RENESTO, S. I. L. V. I. O., MAGNANI, F. A. B. I. O., & STOCKAR, R. U. D. O. L. F. (2021). A NEW SPECIES OF SAURICHTHYS (ACTINOPTERYGII: SAURICHTYDAE) FROM THE MIDDLE TRIASSIC OF MONTE SAN GIORGIO. RIVISTA ITALIANA DI PALEONTOLOGIA E STRATIGRAFIA, V. 127 N. 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.13130/2039-4942/15143