A new genus and species of fossil tubeshoulder fish

Vachalia moraviensis

A new publication describes the first and the only articulated fossil specimen of tubeshoulder fish of the family Platytroctidae (order Alepocephaliformes). This remarkable fish inhabits deep-water environment and the specimen described has been found in the Menilitic Formation deposits (Oligocene) exposed in the vicinity of Kelč (Moravia). The specimen is housed in the collection of the National Museum in Prague. The fish represents a new genus and species. Its scientific name Vachalia moraviensis honours the outstanding Czech graphic and painter Josef Váchal, who died fifty-one years ago.