New material of pycnodonts (Actinopterygii, † Pycnodontiformes) from the Maastrichtian deposits of Dakhla Basin, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The right prearticular element of the extinct pycnodont fish, Anomoeodus, was collected from the Dakhla Formation, north of Teneida village in the Dakhla Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt, dated to the Maastrichtian, Late Cretaceous age. The element is described as a new species, Anomoeodus teneidaensis. The hosting layers indicate a marginal marine depositional environment. The teeth exhibit an elliptical to kidney shape and the main characteristic disposition typical of the genus Anomoeodus. The new species is characterized by mediolateral spaces between the teeth of the primary and secondary lateral rows. The alveoli of the medial row teeth are more inclined than in other species of the same genus. The identification of Anomoeodus teneidaensis significantly increases our understanding of the variety and distribution of pycnodonts in Egypt throughout the Late Cretaceous, and further enhances the known pycnodont biodiversity in North Africa during the Late Cretaceous, suggesting the Dakhla Formation as a significant area for exploring the evolutionary history of these unique fish.