Megalampris
Period of life:
26 million years ago
Period:
Habitat:
Marine environment
Taxonomy:
Fish
Height:
3 m
Countries:
Start a discussion
Name Meaning
The name Megalampris means “giant opah,” from the Ancient Greek mégas (“large, great”) and Lampris—the genus of modern opahs.
Description
Around 26 million years ago, during the Oligocene epoch, the waters surrounding what is now New Zealand were home to an extraordinary giant—the Megalampris. Closely related to modern opahs (Lampris), this fish was remarkable for its size: while today’s opahs rarely exceed 1.5 meters in length (occasionally reaching 2 meters), Megalampris grew up to 4 meters long—comparable to the size of a small car.
Like its modern relatives, Megalampris had a tall, laterally compressed body covered in small scales, giving it a disc-like shape. Combined with a shimmering, iridescent coloration, this must have made it a truly spectacular sight. Although its exact coloration has not been preserved, modern opahs sport vivid red-orange hues with white spots, suggesting that Megalampris was likely no less colorful.
Based on its skeletal structure, Megalampris was, like its modern relatives, an active predator. Its diet consisted of fish, squid, and other marine animals. It swam in an unusual way—using its powerful pectoral fins as the primary means of propulsion, performing what can best be described as “underwater flight.”
Scientific Significance
Megalampris represents an important link in the evolutionary history of opahs. Studying its fossils helps scientists better understand how these remarkable fishes evolved and what factors shaped their development through time.
Other animals
INTERESTING FACTS
PUZZLES
HOME
3D MODEL "SKIN"
3D MODEL "MUSCLES"
3D MODEL "SKELETON"
VISION
NEIGHBORS
VOICE ACTING
AR - MODE
GALLERY
HISTORY OF DISCOVERIES
