Cimolichthys


Cimolichthys is an extinct genus of 1.5- to 2.0-meter-long nektonic predatory aulopiformid fish.

Description

Although the closest living relatives of Cimolichthys are lancetfish and lizardfish, the living animals would have resembled very large freshwater pikes. Their bodies were covered by large, heavy scutes. Typical of this species are narrow lower jaws with several series of teeth. Remains of undigested fishes or squids have been found in collected specimens. They lived in the Late Cretaceous period, from the Cenomanian age to the Maastrichtian age.

Distribution

Fossils of Cimolichthys are found in Cretaceous strata of North America and Europe.

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