Unidentified Lebanese Fossil Fish “Coccodus” lindstroemi

Name: Incertae sedis; gen. indet, lindstroemi

Geological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (95 mya)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): 82 mm long, 35 mm tall on an 85 mm square matrixx

Fossil Site: Lebanese Lagerstatt, Haqel, Lebanon


Incertae sedis; gen. indet, lindstroemiThe Cenomanian sublithographic limestone of Lebanon has given us a look at a wonderfully diverse fish fauna. Unfortunately, most of the work done was in the late 19th and earl 20th century. While there are numerous examples housed in various institutions worldwide, much work remains to be done. This wonderful fish is a case in point. It was named Coccodus lindstroemi back in 1890. It is NOT a member of the genus Coccodus, and is not thought to even be a Pyncnodontiform. While the species lindstroemi may be valid, little else is known, with further work needed to establish its taxonomic hierarchy. Whatever its affinities, it is a striking fish with a serrated dorsal fin (could it be related to the filefishes (Balistidae)? Whatever the case may be, this is a very detailed example, one worthy of addition to any collection of fossil fish.

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