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The first Jurassic coelacanth from Switzerland.

Christophe Ferrante1,2, Ursula Menkveld-Gfeller3, Lionel Cavin2

  • 1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva, Rue des Maraîchers 13, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.

Swiss Journal of Palaeontology
|September 27, 2022
PubMed
Summary

The discovery of Libys callolepis sp. nov. in Switzerland represents the first Jurassic coelacanth fossil found in the region. This finding extends the known range of the Libys genus by 34 million years.

Keywords:
ActinistiaLibysMesozoicMorphologyNew speciesSarcopterygiiToarcian

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Ichthyology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Coelacanths are ancient lobe-finned fishes, with the modern genus Latimeria being the sole survivor.
  • The fossil record of coelacanths is sparse, with Swiss fossils primarily from the Triassic period.
  • Previous discoveries of the genus Libys were limited to the Late Jurassic of Germany.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and analyze the first Jurassic coelacanth fossil discovered in Switzerland.
  • To determine the taxonomic classification and phylogenetic significance of this new specimen.
  • To understand the evolutionary history and biogeography of the genus Libys.

Main Methods:

  • Morphological analysis of a sub-complete coelacanth fossil specimen.
  • Comparison of key anatomical features, including sensory canals, with known coelacanth genera.
  • Stratigraphic and paleogeographic assessment of the fossil's location and age.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a new coelacanth species, Libys callolepis sp. nov., from the Lower Jurassic of Switzerland.
  • The specimen exhibits distinct morphological characteristics, including a unique sensory canal structure, supporting its placement within the genus Libys.
  • This discovery extends the known stratigraphic range of the genus Libys by approximately 34 million years.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of Libys callolepis sp. nov. in the Lower Jurassic indicates a broader temporal and geographic distribution for the genus than previously understood.
  • This finding highlights the long evolutionary history and morphological stasis of certain coelacanth lineages, reinforcing their 'living fossil' status.
  • The discovery contributes to our understanding of sarcopterygian fish evolution during the Jurassic period.