Ancient fish fossil discovered in China pushes back evolution timeline by 2 million years

Indonesia launches strategy to turn Bali into Asia’s next financial hub

Main page
News
Scientists discover ancient fish species dating back 244 million years in southwest China

31.03.26

Scientists discover ancient fish species dating back 244 million years in southwest China

The specimen predates that record by roughly two million years, making it the oldest known fossil of the genus globally

Photo source: EvgeniyShkolenko / iStock

Chinese scientists have identified a previously unknown species of ancient ray-finned fish dating back approximately 244 million years, as reported by Global Times, a partner of TV BRICS.

The newly described species, named Ptycholepis huoae, represents the first recorded discovery of the Ptycholepis genus in China. The finding fills a longstanding gap in the fossil record of marine ptycholepids in Asia and extends the known evolutionary history of the group.

The fossil specimen, measuring 27.5 centimetres in length, was unearthed in Luxi County in Yunnan Province by a joint research team. Researchers say the species belongs to an extinct lineage of ray-finned fishes that existed from the Middle Triassic to the Jurassic period.

The Yunnan specimen predates that record by roughly two million years, making it the oldest known fossil of the genus globally. Scientists note that the discovery not only pushes back the timeline of Ptycholepis evolution but also indicates a far wider geographical distribution than previously understood.

Distinct anatomical features – including differences in skull structure, gill bones and pectoral fins – confirm the classification of the fossil as a new species. These characteristics provide fresh insights into the diversity and adaptation of early ray-finned fishes during the Triassic period.

Experts say the latest find contributes to a deeper understanding of post-extinction marine life recovery and evolution following the end-Permian mass extinction, one of the most significant events in Earth’s history.

These findings add to a series of significant recent palaeontological and biological discoveries in various parts of the world.

For example, in Brazil, researchers have announced a new species of giant dinosaur, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, based on fossils found in Maranhao. According to Metrópoles, a partner of TV BRICS, the specimen may have reached a length of around 20 metres and shows similarities with European species, suggesting that these large herbivores may have spread to South America via North Africa between 140 and 120 million years ago, reinforcing the idea of land bridges between continents in the Early Cretaceous.

In addition to the fossils, current biodiversity is also yielding important discoveries. In Indonesia, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced the discovery of a new species of gecko, Cyrtodactylus pecelmadiun, found in East Java. The species, which measures between 59 and 67 mm, inhabits urban areas and its name refers to a typical Javanese dish, "pecel madiun", according to ANTARA.

Vietnam also made biological discoveries with the identification of Decaneuropsis phongnhakebangensis, a climbing shrub reaching up to five metres in height in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Tri province. According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS, the species, belonging to the Asteraceae family, features clusters of dark purple flowers and represents a significant contribution to knowledge of the region’s plant biodiversity.

Finally, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia reported the discovery of five species previously unknown to science, three new to the country and 34 global range extensions. These include a gecko with white stripes and nodules and the Hejaz black-collared snake, as well as new plant species of ecological and cultural importance.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), to date, 461 plant species, 240 bird species, 39 reptile species, 18 bat species, 31 mammal species, one amphibian species and one freshwater fish have been recorded. This research is complemented by monitoring programmes that support the management of the reserve.