Hidden for 70 million years, a tiny fossil fish is rewriting freshwater evolution

Tiny Prehistoric Fish Fossil Rewrites Evolution With Clues for Mysterious Origins of Catfish and Carp

The fossil of a tiny fish found in southwestern Alberta, Canada, provides new insight into the origin and evolution of otophysans, the supergroup of fish that includes catfish, carp and tetras—which account for two-thirds of all freshwater species today. The specimen, located well inland from any seashore, was studied by researchers at Western University and […] The post Tiny Prehistoric Fish Fossil Rewrites Evolution With Clues for Mysterious O…

Hidden for 70 million years, a tiny fossil fish is rewriting freshwater evolution

Researchers in Alberta uncovered a fossil fish that rewrites the evolutionary history of otophysans, which today dominate freshwater ecosystems. The new species, Acronichthys maccognoi, shows early adaptations for its unusual hearing system. Evidence suggests otophysans moved from oceans to rivers more than once, leaving scientists puzzled about their ancient global journeys.