Latest news with #Osmeriformes
CNN
28-03-2025
- Science
- CNN
Fossilized fish up to 16 million years old found in Australia, with last meal still intact
Summary Paleontologists discovered a fossilized fish species dating back up to 16 million years with its last meal intact. Named Ferruaspis brocksi, the fish was preserved in goethite, allowing researchers to examine its stomach contents. Analysis revealed the fish primarily fed on phantom midge larvae and provided first evidence of Osmeriformes in Australia. The fossil showed pigmented cells, giving insight into the fish's coloration and possible shoaling behavior to evade predators. The discovery suggests this freshwater species thrived in what was once a lush rainforest environment during the Miocene Epoch. Paleontologists have discovered a newly identified fish species in Australia so well-preserved that they could determine its last meal — dating back up to 16 million years to the Miocene Epoch. Researchers unearthed the fossilized freshwater fish, named Ferruaspis brocksi, at the McGraths Flat site in central New South Wales, according to a study published March 17 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The study team excavated multiple fossils containing F. brocksi, each entombed in goethite, an iron-rich mineral that maintained the fish in extraordinary detail. This rare fossilization process allowed researchers to examine the species' structural features, including its soft tissue, stomach and coloration patterns. 'Every time I have a detailed look at a fossil from McGraths Flat, I am amazed by its detailed preservation,' study coauthor Dr. Michael Frese, associate professor and virologist at the University of Canberra, said via email. 'It's very surprising, (and) it's extremely rare to be able to tell the colour of a fossil fish like this.' Beyond identifying a newfound species, researchers uncovered the first detailed evidence of Osmeriformes, a group that includes modern-day graylings and smelts, in Australia. Until now, scientists could only speculate when smelts first arrived on the continent due to a lack of fossil evidence, but this new finding offers crucial insights into the region's ancient ecosystem, Frese said. Tracing a prehistoric food web Using high-powered microscopes, paleontologists analyzed the stomach contents and intestinal tract of F. brocksi and found the fish primarily fed on various types of phantom midge larvae — an almost transparent insect larvae — along with insect wings and even a small bivalve, or a mollusk with hinged shells. 'Knowing their diet helps us start to paint a picture of food chains and food webs in the original environments,' said Dr. Anthony Martin, a professor of practice in the department of environmental sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, who was not involved in the study. One specimen of fish had a freshwater mussel attached to its tail fin. The finding is rare because the lake sediments where F. brocksi were found wouldn't have supported an environment for the bivalve to reach sexual maturity and produce glochidia — the larval, parasitic stage of some freshwater mussels, Frese said. He added that it's likely the parasites infected the fish in a nearby river, suggesting a connection between the fossil site and a neighboring waterway. The stomach contents not only helped paleontologists identify what the fish were eating but also when they were feeding. 'Many extant species of Chaoborus (phantom midge larvae) do not occur in lakes with fishes, and those that do co-exist with fishes often conduct a diurnal migration to avoid predatory fishes during the daytime,' Frese said. 'As most Chaoborus larvae spent most of the day in the sediment, hiding from pelagic predators, F. brocksi would likely have preyed on Chaoborus at night.' A glimpse into history One of the most surprising discoveries was the presence of melanophores or pigmented cells, offering insight into the fish's coloration. The fossils revealed F. brocksi had a slender body, similar to modern-day smelts. The fish also presented evidence of countershading, in which the animal was darker on the top and lighter on its stomach, with two stripes running along the length of its body, according to the study. Frese noted that this coloration pattern may indicate a shoaling behavior, in which fish gather in loose social groups. The countershading also likely helped the species evade predators from above, Martin added. While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study. The discovery of F. brocksi west of the Great Dividing Range suggests that, unlike most surviving Osmeriformes, this species may have spent its entire life in freshwater, according to the study. 'While this study is focused on one species of fish,' Frese said, 'it is part of a broader ecosystem that we are piecing together by excavating fossils from the site.'
CNN
28-03-2025
- Science
- CNN
Fossilized fish up to 16 million years old found in Australia, with last meal still intact
Summary Paleontologists discovered a fossilized fish species dating back up to 16 million years with its last meal intact. Named Ferruaspis brocksi, the fish was preserved in goethite, allowing researchers to examine its stomach contents. Analysis revealed the fish primarily fed on phantom midge larvae and provided first evidence of Osmeriformes in Australia. The fossil showed pigmented cells, giving insight into the fish's coloration and possible shoaling behavior to evade predators. The discovery suggests this freshwater species thrived in what was once a lush rainforest environment during the Miocene Epoch. Paleontologists have discovered a newly identified fish species in Australia so well-preserved that they could determine its last meal — dating back up to 16 million years to the Miocene Epoch. Researchers unearthed the fossilized freshwater fish, named Ferruaspis brocksi, at the McGraths Flat site in central New South Wales, according to a study published March 17 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The study team excavated multiple fossils containing F. brocksi, each entombed in goethite, an iron-rich mineral that maintained the fish in extraordinary detail. This rare fossilization process allowed researchers to examine the species' structural features, including its soft tissue, stomach and coloration patterns. 'Every time I have a detailed look at a fossil from McGraths Flat, I am amazed by its detailed preservation,' study coauthor Dr. Michael Frese, associate professor and virologist at the University of Canberra, said via email. 'It's very surprising, (and) it's extremely rare to be able to tell the colour of a fossil fish like this.' Beyond identifying a newfound species, researchers uncovered the first detailed evidence of Osmeriformes, a group that includes modern-day graylings and smelts, in Australia. Until now, scientists could only speculate when smelts first arrived on the continent due to a lack of fossil evidence, but this new finding offers crucial insights into the region's ancient ecosystem, Frese said. Tracing a prehistoric food web Using high-powered microscopes, paleontologists analyzed the stomach contents and intestinal tract of F. brocksi and found the fish primarily fed on various types of phantom midge larvae — an almost transparent insect larvae — along with insect wings and even a small bivalve, or a mollusk with hinged shells. 'Knowing their diet helps us start to paint a picture of food chains and food webs in the original environments,' said Dr. Anthony Martin, a professor of practice in the department of environmental sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, who was not involved in the study. One specimen of fish had a freshwater mussel attached to its tail fin. The finding is rare because the lake sediments where F. brocksi were found wouldn't have supported an environment for the bivalve to reach sexual maturity and produce glochidia — the larval, parasitic stage of some freshwater mussels, Frese said. He added that it's likely the parasites infected the fish in a nearby river, suggesting a connection between the fossil site and a neighboring waterway. The stomach contents not only helped paleontologists identify what the fish were eating but also when they were feeding. 'Many extant species of Chaoborus (phantom midge larvae) do not occur in lakes with fishes, and those that do co-exist with fishes often conduct a diurnal migration to avoid predatory fishes during the daytime,' Frese said. 'As most Chaoborus larvae spent most of the day in the sediment, hiding from pelagic predators, F. brocksi would likely have preyed on Chaoborus at night.' A glimpse into history One of the most surprising discoveries was the presence of melanophores or pigmented cells, offering insight into the fish's coloration. The fossils revealed F. brocksi had a slender body, similar to modern-day smelts. The fish also presented evidence of countershading, in which the animal was darker on the top and lighter on its stomach, with two stripes running along the length of its body, according to the study. Frese noted that this coloration pattern may indicate a shoaling behavior, in which fish gather in loose social groups. The countershading also likely helped the species evade predators from above, Martin added. While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study. The discovery of F. brocksi west of the Great Dividing Range suggests that, unlike most surviving Osmeriformes, this species may have spent its entire life in freshwater, according to the study. 'While this study is focused on one species of fish,' Frese said, 'it is part of a broader ecosystem that we are piecing together by excavating fossils from the site.'
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fossilized fish up to 16 million years old found in Australia, with last meal still intact
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Paleontologists have discovered a newly identified fish species in Australia so well-preserved that they could determine its last meal — dating back up to 16 million years to the Miocene Epoch. Researchers unearthed the fossilized freshwater fish, named Ferruaspis brocksi, at the McGraths Flat site in central New South Wales, according to a study published March 17 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The study team excavated multiple fossils containing F. brocksi, each entombed in goethite, an iron-rich mineral that maintained the fish in extraordinary detail. This rare fossilization process allowed researchers to examine the species' structural features, including its soft tissue, stomach and coloration patterns. 'Every time I have a detailed look at a fossil from McGraths Flat, I am amazed by its detailed preservation,' study coauthor Dr. Michael Frese, associate professor and virologist at the University of Canberra, said via email. 'It's very surprising, (and) it's extremely rare to be able to tell the colour of a fossil fish like this.' Beyond identifying a newfound species, researchers uncovered the first detailed evidence of Osmeriformes, a group that includes modern-day graylings and smelts, in Australia. Until now, scientists could only speculate when smelts first arrived on the continent due to a lack of fossil evidence, but this new finding offers crucial insights into the region's ancient ecosystem, Frese said. Using high-powered microscopes, paleontologists analyzed the stomach contents and intestinal tract of F. brocksi and found the fish primarily fed on various types of phantom midge larvae — an almost transparent insect larvae — along with insect wings and even a small bivalve, or a mollusk with hinged shells. 'Knowing their diet helps us start to paint a picture of food chains and food webs in the original environments,' said Dr. Anthony Martin, a professor of practice in the department of environmental sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, who was not involved in the study. One specimen of fish had a freshwater mussel attached to its tail fin. The finding is rare because the lake sediments where F. brocksi were found wouldn't have supported an environment for the bivalve to reach sexual maturity and produce glochidia — the larval, parasitic stage of some freshwater mussels, Frese said. He added that it's likely the parasites infected the fish in a nearby river, suggesting a connection between the fossil site and a neighboring waterway. The stomach contents not only helped paleontologists identify what the fish were eating but also when they were feeding. 'Many extant species of Chaoborus (phantom midge larvae) do not occur in lakes with fishes, and those that do co-exist with fishes often conduct a diurnal migration to avoid predatory fishes during the daytime,' Frese said. 'As most Chaoborus larvae spent most of the day in the sediment, hiding from pelagic predators, F. brocksi would likely have preyed on Chaoborus at night.' One of the most surprising discoveries was the presence of melanophores or pigmented cells, offering insight into the fish's coloration. The fossils revealed F. brocksi had a slender body, similar to modern-day smelts. The fish also presented evidence of countershading, in which the animal was darker on the top and lighter on its stomach, with two stripes running along the length of its body, according to the study. Frese noted that this coloration pattern may indicate a shoaling behavior, in which fish gather in loose social groups. The countershading also likely helped the species evade predators from above, Martin added. While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study. The discovery of F. brocksi west of the Great Dividing Range suggests that, unlike most surviving Osmeriformes, this species may have spent its entire life in freshwater, according to the study. 'While this study is focused on one species of fish,' Frese said, 'it is part of a broader ecosystem that we are piecing together by excavating fossils from the site.'
CNN
28-03-2025
- Science
- CNN
Fossilized fish up to 16 million years old found in Australia, with last meal still intact
Summary Paleontologists discovered a fossilized fish species dating back up to 16 million years with its last meal intact. Named Ferruaspis brocksi, the fish was preserved in goethite, allowing researchers to examine its stomach contents. Analysis revealed the fish primarily fed on phantom midge larvae and provided first evidence of Osmeriformes in Australia. The fossil showed pigmented cells, giving insight into the fish's coloration and possible shoaling behavior to evade predators. The discovery suggests this freshwater species thrived in what was once a lush rainforest environment during the Miocene Epoch. Paleontologists have discovered a newly identified fish species in Australia so well-preserved that they could determine its last meal — dating back up to 16 million years to the Miocene Epoch. Researchers unearthed the fossilized freshwater fish, named Ferruaspis brocksi, at the McGraths Flat site in central New South Wales, according to a study published March 17 in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The study team excavated multiple fossils containing F. brocksi, each entombed in goethite, an iron-rich mineral that maintained the fish in extraordinary detail. This rare fossilization process allowed researchers to examine the species' structural features, including its soft tissue, stomach and coloration patterns. 'Every time I have a detailed look at a fossil from McGraths Flat, I am amazed by its detailed preservation,' study coauthor Dr. Michael Frese, associate professor and virologist at the University of Canberra, said via email. 'It's very surprising, (and) it's extremely rare to be able to tell the colour of a fossil fish like this.' Beyond identifying a newfound species, researchers uncovered the first detailed evidence of Osmeriformes, a group that includes modern-day graylings and smelts, in Australia. Until now, scientists could only speculate when smelts first arrived on the continent due to a lack of fossil evidence, but this new finding offers crucial insights into the region's ancient ecosystem, Frese said. Tracing a prehistoric food web Using high-powered microscopes, paleontologists analyzed the stomach contents and intestinal tract of F. brocksi and found the fish primarily fed on various types of phantom midge larvae — an almost transparent insect larvae — along with insect wings and even a small bivalve, or a mollusk with hinged shells. 'Knowing their diet helps us start to paint a picture of food chains and food webs in the original environments,' said Dr. Anthony Martin, a professor of practice in the department of environmental sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, who was not involved in the study. One specimen of fish had a freshwater mussel attached to its tail fin. The finding is rare because the lake sediments where F. brocksi were found wouldn't have supported an environment for the bivalve to reach sexual maturity and produce glochidia — the larval, parasitic stage of some freshwater mussels, Frese said. He added that it's likely the parasites infected the fish in a nearby river, suggesting a connection between the fossil site and a neighboring waterway. The stomach contents not only helped paleontologists identify what the fish were eating but also when they were feeding. 'Many extant species of Chaoborus (phantom midge larvae) do not occur in lakes with fishes, and those that do co-exist with fishes often conduct a diurnal migration to avoid predatory fishes during the daytime,' Frese said. 'As most Chaoborus larvae spent most of the day in the sediment, hiding from pelagic predators, F. brocksi would likely have preyed on Chaoborus at night.' A glimpse into history One of the most surprising discoveries was the presence of melanophores or pigmented cells, offering insight into the fish's coloration. The fossils revealed F. brocksi had a slender body, similar to modern-day smelts. The fish also presented evidence of countershading, in which the animal was darker on the top and lighter on its stomach, with two stripes running along the length of its body, according to the study. Frese noted that this coloration pattern may indicate a shoaling behavior, in which fish gather in loose social groups. The countershading also likely helped the species evade predators from above, Martin added. While central New South Wales is now characterized by plains and plateaus, during the Miocene, the region was surrounded by lush rainforests, according to the study. The discovery of F. brocksi west of the Great Dividing Range suggests that, unlike most surviving Osmeriformes, this species may have spent its entire life in freshwater, according to the study. 'While this study is focused on one species of fish,' Frese said, 'it is part of a broader ecosystem that we are piecing together by excavating fossils from the site.'
Miami Herald
17-03-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
15 million-year-old creature — with its last meal inside — is new species in Australia
What can fossils tell us about prehistoric life? The length of a femur bone may help paleontologists determine how tall a dinosaur once was, or a curved tooth may help researchers identify an aquatic reptile as a carnivore or herbivore. In a few rare cases, something extra left behind in the fossil record leads to a groundbreaking discovery, or, at least, the identification of a new species. Researchers working in New South Wales, Australia, at a fossil site called the McGraths Flat discovered the bones of an ancient fish species, according to a study published March 17 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. McGraths Flat was once a freshwater ecosystem during the Cenozoic period, ranging from 66 million years ago until recently, according to the study. When the fossil was examined, researchers saw the bones belonged to a fish, but not like one they had seen before. The fish was 'slender' and 'fusiform,' and it had an adipose fin, a fleshy dorsal fin without bony rays that is common in fish like salmon, according to the study. While the teeth and bones of the fossil were relatively 'poorly preserved,' outlines of multiple fins allowed researchers to identify the prehistoric fish as a species new to science. The new species was named Ferruaspis brocksi, or Brock's iron shield fish, according to the study, honoring Jochen Brocks, who discovered multiple specimens. The fossil was dated to the Miocene, between 11 million and 16 million years ago, and was found in iron-rich stone, researchers said. 'The discovery of the 15 million-year-old freshwater fish fossil offers us an unprecedented opportunity to understand Australia's ancient ecosystems and the evolution of its fish species, specifically the Osmeriformes group during the Miocene epoch,' study author Matthew McCurry said in a news release from the Australian Museum, shared with McClatchy News. 'Osmeriformes are a diverse group of fish within Australia which includes species like the Australian Grayling and the Australian Smelt. But, without fossils it has been hard for us to tell exactly when the group arrived in Australia and whether they changed at all through time.' However, the most exciting feature of the fossil may not be the bones of the fish at all. At the bottom edge of the fossilized fish is a grouping of fossilized material that was a little bit different than the rest, researchers said. The fish's stomach contents had also been preserved. 'Not only does this fossil provide a unique snapshot into the environment it lived, but also because its stomach contents are so well preserved it allows us a glimpse into the behavior of these ancient species,' McCurry said in the release. 'We now know that they fed on a range of invertebrates, but the most common prey was small phantom midge larvae.' Researchers also used a powerful microscope to look for features called melanosomes, part of the body of animals that creates color. In previous studies, melanosomes found in fossils were used to reconstruct the color of feathers for birds millions of years after they lived, study author Michael Frese said in the release. This is the first time the same process was used on a fish. 'The fish was darker on its dorsal surface, lighter in color on its belly and had two lateral stripes running along its side,' Frese said. Brock's iron shield fish adds to the rich prehistoric history of McGraths Flat, and contributes to its classification as a 'Lagerstätte,' or a 'site that contains fossils of exceptional quality with remarkable detail,' according to the museum. McGraths Flat is near Gulgong, New South Wales, in southeastern Australia, about a 180-mile drive northwest from Sydney. The research team includes McCurry, Frese, Anthony C. Gill, Viktor Baranov, Lachlan J. Hart and Cameron Slatyer.
