Mawsonia [Mawsonia]

Description

Mawsonia is a genus of prehistoric coelacanth fish that lived during the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous period. Members of this genus are known from fossils found in South America and Africa, indicating a wide distribution. These marine and freshwater giants were among the largest coelacanths, with estimates suggesting they could grow up to several meters in length. Mawsonia's body structure includes distinctive lobed fins, a hallmark of coelacanths, and they possessed a strong, bony skull. Their diet likely consisted of smaller fish and marine invertebrates. The ecological role of Mawsonia in its ancient environments might have been similar to that of large predatory fish in modern ecosystems.

Species

African coelacanth [Mawsonia lavocati]

View Details

Giant coelacanth [Mawsonia gigas]