Megalampris

species of fish

Megalampris is an extinct genus of prehistoric opah from the late Oligocene of New Zealand about 26 million years ago. It is only known from one species, which is called Megalampris keyesi.

Artist's reconstruction

Megalampris was a marine fish with a big head highly reminiscent of a pycnodont. It looked different from today's opahs, having a dorsal fin resembling a swordfish, and having two fins below.

References

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  1. Gottfried, Michael D.; Fordyce, R. Ewan; Rust, Seabourne (2006). "Megalampris keyesi, a Giant Moonfish (Teleostei, Lampridiformes) from the Late Oligocene of New Zealand". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 6 (3): 544–551. doi:10.1671/0272-4634(2006)26[544:MKAGMT]2.0.CO;2. S2CID 85849900.