Blochius

Blochius is an extinct genus of prehistoric bony fish from the Eocene. It is found only in the Tethys Ocean and known from Monte Bolca in Italy. It is the only genus of the family Blochiidae in the order Istiophoriformes.

 Description 
Blochius had a slender body reminiscent of a needlefish. Just like a swordfish, it had a pointy snout. It was small and thin, but attacked prey like a modern-day needlefish.

 Classification 

 Naming 
This fish was first mentioned by Swiss scientist Johann Jakob Scheuchzer, who found a piece of a Blochius skeleton. Later, in 1796, Giovanni Serafino Volta gave the fish a scientific name.

 Species 
Blochius has three species:

 Blochius longirostris Volta, 1796
 Blochius macropterus de Zigno, 1887
 Blochius moorheadi Eastman, 1911 (nomen dubium)

 Image gallery 

 References 

 Fierstine, Harry L.; Monsch, Kenneth A. (2002). "Fossil history of billfishes (Xiphioidei)". Bulletin of Marine Science. 79 (3): 433–453.
 G. S. Volta, Ittiolitologia Veronese del museo Bozziano ora annesso a quello del conte Giovambattista Gazola e di altri gabinetti fossili veronesi con la versione latina, Stamperia Guiliari, Verona, 1796–1808, 323 pp.

 Other websites 

 Data related to Blochius at Wikidata

Category:Istiophoriformes
Category:Ray-finned fish
Category:Extinct fish
Category:Taxa described in 1800