Dapalis

Dapalis is a genus of extinct ray-finned fish that lived during the Oligocene and Miocene epochs. Fossils of Dapalis have been found in Europe, particularly in France, and represent a relatively small, freshwater fish. They are often found in lacustrine (lake) deposits.

Dapalis is characterized by its fusiform (spindle-shaped) body, suggesting a streamlined form adapted for swimming. Key features used for its identification and classification include the morphology of its scales, fin rays, and cranial bones. Its phylogenetic placement within ray-finned fishes has been a subject of study, with researchers using anatomical features to determine its relationship to other fish groups.

Fossil Dapalis are important for understanding the freshwater ecosystems of Europe during the Oligocene and Miocene. They provide insights into the biodiversity, paleoecology, and paleoclimate of the regions where they are found. The presence and abundance of Dapalis in fossil assemblages can be used to reconstruct past environments and track changes in aquatic habitats over geological time.