Sorbinichthys

Sorbinichthys
Temporal range:
Sorbinichthys elusivo
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Ellimmichthyiformes
Suborder: Sorbinichthyoidei
Family: Sorbinichthyidae
Bannikov & Bacchia, 2000
Genus: Sorbinichthys
Bannikov & Bacchia, 2000
Species
  • †S. elusivo Bannikov & Bacchia, 2000
  • †S. africanus Murray and Wilson, 2010

Sorbinichthys is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish from the Cenomanian of Lebanon and Morocco. It is classified within the order Ellimmichthyiformes. Both species within the genus are small (15 cm) and, like other members of their order, have deep bodies. The most notable feature of the genus is the presence of extremely long 2nd fin rays on the dorsal and pectoral fins that are much longer than the other rays on the respective fins. Sorbinichthys is one of the most basal members of the order and, in some analyes, the sister group of the rest of the order. The fish lived in shallow coastal environments that were home to a number of other fish and invertebrates. Two species are currently recognized: S. elusivo and S. africanus.