Credit: Robert Nicholls

Scientists discover a new plankton feeding bony fish from the Cretaceous Period.

The new discovery was made in Colorado by scientists of a new specimen of bony fish which, it is thought, used a similar feeding method to some sharks and rays that we see today like the Whale Shark and Manta Ray.

For more information about this new discovery visit here.

There is however one major difference. The fossil fish is a truly bony fish whereas Sharks & Rays are from a species subclass called ‘Elasmobranchs’ which have cartilage skeletons rather than bones.

As we divers are fully aware this family is of crucial importance to the eco systems of the planet and sharks and rays are under a serious threat from over fishing, finning practices and other environmental issues.

A good idea to help these and all marine life is to donate to the PADI Project AWARE scheme and find out more about what you can do to help save and protect the marine environment.

Images by Karl Marchant