Robustichthys is an extinct genus of ray-finned fish from the Middle Triassicperiod, contains only one species R. luopingensis.[1][2] It belonged to the clade Halecomorphi, which were once diverse during the MesozoicEra, but which are today represented by only a single species, the bowfin. Halecomorphs are holosteans, a clade which first appeared in the fossil record during the Triassic.[3]
Description
Robustichthys is described from AnisianGuanling Formation, Luoping, Yunnan, China. It is the oldest member of Ionoscopiformes, an order within Halecomorphi.[1] The largest specimen reaches length about 36 cm (1.18 ft), which makes it the largest holostean fish in the Middle Triassic.[2]