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.

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.

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.

Blochius has three species:

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

1. Fierstine, Harry L.; Monsch, Kenneth A. (2002). "Fossil history of billfishes (Xiphioidei)". Bulletin of Marine Science. 79 (3): 433–453.
2. 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.

• Data related to Blochius at Wikidata