The object in question was not an ancient boomerang but rather a peculiar fish, unlike any seen today. The enigmatic nature of Pegasus volans has left experts puzzled for over two centuries, since its discovery in a 50-million-year-old site in northern Italy. Recent research published on August 23 on bioRxiv.org by two scientists challenges the prevailing theories about this extinct species, necessitating a new name.
Donald Davesne, a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, acknowledges that while we understand what Pegasus volans is not, its true identity remains elusive. Originally classified alongside seamoths by Italian naturalist Giovanni Serafino Volta in 1796, Davesne points out that the two have no similarities. He and Giorgio Carnevale of the University of Turin scrutinized the fossils, which measure less than six centimeters, using advanced microscopy techniques.
Their analysis, focusing on skeletal structure and fin size, excluded a relationship with oarfish, contrary to some recent hypotheses. Instead, they found parallels with the larvae of modern cusk-eels and other Teleostei fish, particularly in the long dorsal-fin ray and the small abdominal area. However, the researchers assert that these fossils are not larvae due to their mature skeletal structure and size. Davesne suggests these traits might have emerged early in the evolution of spiny-rayed fish following the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.
Davesne emphasizes that more data, particularly the missing tail section, is needed to confirm any evolutionary links. He remains hopeful that a better-preserved specimen will be discovered. Given the uncertainties about its classification, the researchers propose a new genus name, which Davesne will reveal after the formal publication of their paper, honoring a personal friend and late musician.
