Zignoichthys

Zignoichthys
Artist's reconstruction
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Family: Zignoichthyidae
Genus: Zignoichthys
Tyler, 1975
Species:
Z. oblongus
Binomial name
Zignoichthys oblongus
Tyler, 1975

Zignoichthys is an extinct genus of prehistoric pufferfish. In life, it would have resembled a paunchy triggerfish. It lacked a pelvis, and could not inflate its body like its modern-day relatives.

Description

Zignoichthys was a pufferfish that looked paunchy in appearance. Unlike the modern pufferfish, it could not puff up to about twice its normal size by gulping water.

Species