Zignoichthys

Artist's reconstruction

Zignoichthys is an extinct genus of prehistoric pufferfish. In life, it would have resembled a paunchy triggerfish. It lacked a pelvis, and could not inflate its body like its modern-day relatives.

Description

Fossil

Zignoichthys was a pufferfish that looked paunchy in appearance. Unlike the modern pufferfish, it could not puff up to about twice its normal size by gulping water.

Species