Paleontologists Discover New Fish Species in Alaska
Paleontologists have uncovered fossils of three new fish species, including the earliest known salmonid, Sivulliusalmo alaskensis, in the Prince Creek Formation of northern Alaska. This finding marks a significant addition to the fossil record.
Dr. Patrick Druckenmiller, director of the University of Alaska Museum of the North, stated, “Sivulliusalmo alaskensis is not only a new species, it’s the oldest salmonid in the fossil record.” In addition to this groundbreaking discovery, the study also identifies two new species of pike—Archaeosiilik gilmulli and Nunikuluk gracilis—along with the oldest known record of carp and minnows.
These ancient fish were already thriving in Arctic waters during the Cretaceous period, indicating that many fish groups we recognize today were already established alongside dinosaurs. This discovery extends the fossil history of the salmon family by an impressive 20 million years.
Dr. Andrés López, curator of fish at the University of Alaska Museum, emphasized the adaptability of salmonids: “Despite warmer Arctic conditions, they thrived amid seasonal temperature fluctuations.” He noted that these findings underline the resilience of fish species in changing environmental conditions.
The fossils, primarily tiny jaws and teeth, were meticulously studied using micro-computed tomography to reconstruct their features. This latest research highlights the Prince Creek Formation’s potential for yielding valuable paleontological insights.
This research is published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology.
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