Klettgau formation discovery reveals prehistoric lungfish fossil

An international team of scientists has discovered a fossil of a lungfish from the genus Ptychoceratodus in the Klettgau formation in northern Switzerland. The specimen, dating back over 200 million years to the Late Triassic, was found positioned between the ribs of a dinosaur skeleton.

Lungfish are unique vertebrates capable of breathing atmospheric air using lungs in addition to gills. While modern relatives typically reach lengths of one to two meters, prehistoric species could grow up to five meters. The discovery provides significant data regarding prehistoric aquatic ecosystems and the fauna of Central Europe during the Triassic period.