Tribodus

Tribodus is an extinct genus of prehistoric ray-finned fish belonging to the order Amiiformes. They lived during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods, primarily in freshwater environments of East Asia. Fossils of Tribodus have been found in locations such as China and Mongolia.

These fish were characterized by their relatively large size and robust teeth, suggesting a diet that included hard-shelled invertebrates and other fish. Tribodus is considered a basal member of the Amiiformes, providing insights into the early evolution of this group, which includes the bowfin (Amia calva) as its only living representative. Its morphology shows a blend of ancestral and derived features, making it a valuable subject for understanding the evolutionary history of ray-finned fishes. Paleontological studies of Tribodus contribute to reconstructing the ecosystems of the Mesozoic era and understanding the diversification of freshwater fish faunas.