Pateobatis
Pateobatis is an extinct genus of elasmobranch fish that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. It is known from fossils found in the Santana Formation of Brazil. Pateobatis is considered a close relative of modern-day stingrays, though it possessed a unique combination of primitive and derived traits.
Common Names
Pateobatis has no widely recognized common names. It is typically referred to by its scientific name.
Characteristics
Pateobatis was a relatively small elasmobranch, with an estimated length of around 60 centimeters (24 inches). Its body was flattened dorsoventrally, with a broad, disc-shaped pectoral fin. It had a long, whip-like tail and a pair of large, triangular dorsal fins. Pateobatis likely possessed venomous spines on its tail, similar to modern stingrays.
One of the most distinctive features of Pateobatis was its dentition. Its teeth were small and numerous, with a unique "pavement-like" arrangement, suggesting that it was an omnivorous feeder.
Environment
Pateobatis inhabited the shallow, tropical waters of the Early Cretaceous period. The Santana Formation, where its fossils were discovered, is known for its rich diversity of marine life, including fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
References
* Gallo, V.; Brito, P.M.; Oliveira, E.T.; Maisey, J.G. (2015). "Pateobatis, a new genus of Early Cretaceous stingray from the Santana Formation of Brazil". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 35 (6): e982539. doi:10.1080/02724634.2015.982539. S2CID 86669912.* Fossilworks