- A fossilized freshwater fish discovered in Australia preserves its stomach contents and pigmentation.
- The fish, Ferruaspis brocksi, also had a parasite attached to its tail.
- This discovery sheds light on Miocene ecosystems and fish evolution.
The discovery of Ferruaspis brocksi in New South Wales provides a rare and detailed glimpse into Australia’s Miocene freshwater environments.
Adding to its uniqueness, the fossilized fish had a juvenile freshwater mussel, or glochidium, attached to its tail. This finding highlights an ancient parasitic relationship that still exists in modern aquatic ecosystems, offering insight into how these interactions evolved over time.
Ancient Fossilized Fish Found With Intact Stomach and Parasite Attached
The remarkable preservation of Ferruaspis brocksi provides an unprecedented look into Miocene-era freshwater ecosystems. The fossil’s stomach contents reveal that it fed on small invertebrates, offering clues about the aquatic food chain 15 million years ago.
The presence of melanosomes allowed scientists to reconstruct the fish’s coloration, a rare discovery in fossilized aquatic vertebrates. This evidence helps researchers understand how fish adapted to their environments over time.
The attached glochidium parasite suggests that freshwater mussels used fish hosts for mobility even in ancient ecosystems. This symbiotic relationship, still observed today, demonstrates the long-standing evolutionary strategies of aquatic species.
The study, led by Dr. Matthew McCurry, also marks the first record of a freshwater smelt fossil in Australia. This expands scientific knowledge of the Osmeriformes order, connecting it to both ancient and modern species.
This fossil provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric freshwater life, showcasing ancient feeding habits, parasite interactions, and evolutionary adaptations that still influence aquatic ecosystems today.
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” — William Faulkner
