Palaeobalistum

Palaeobalistum is an extinct genus of prehistoric ray-finned fish which ranged from the Cretaceous to Eocene periods.

Etymology

The Latin genus name derives from a Greek word meaning "thick tooth".

Species

The following species have been described:

• Palaeobalistum dossantosi <small> Maury, 1930</small>
• Palaeobalistum flavellatum <small>Cope, 1886</small>
• Palaeobalistum geiseri <small>Thurmond, 1974</small>
• Palaeobalistum goedeli <small>Heckel, 1856</small>
• Palaeobalistum gutturosum <small>Arambourg, 1954</small>
• Palaeobalistum libanicum <small>Kramberger, 1895</small>
• Palaeobalistum orbiculatum <small>Blainville, 1818</small>
• Palaeobalistum ponsortii <small>Heckel, 1854</small>
• Palaeobalistum rectidens <small>Thurmond, 1974</small>
• Palaeobalistum zignoi <small>Blot, 1987</small>

Distribution

Fossils of Palaeobalistum have been found in:

Cretaceous

• Gramame Formation, Brazil
• Greenhorn Limestone, Colorado
• Antlers Formation, Oklahoma
• Glen Rose, Paluxy and Walnut Formations, Texas
• Haqel Limestone, Lebanon

Eocene

• Monte Bolca, Italy

See also

• Prehistoric fish
• List of prehistoric bony fish

References