Discovering Alaska’s Ancient Salmonid Fish from 73 Million Years Ago

Unearthing Ancient Fish Fossils

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in northern Alaska. They uncovered fossils of three new fish species at the Prince Creek Formation. Among these, they identified the earliest known salmonid fish, named Sivulliusalmo alaskensis. This remarkable find sheds light on the evolution of salmon and pike, revealing their ancient relatives existed in these fresh waters around 73 million years ago.

Ancient Salmonid Fish Fossils

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of fish evolution but also highlights the diversity of aquatic life present during that era. The fossils provide vital clues about the environmental conditions of Alaska’s waters millions of years ago, suggesting they were home to a variety of fish species.