Qikiqtania wakei, a new elpistostegalian "fishapod" from Nunavut, Canada

[Newt]

Open access article here.

This animal was a close cousin of Tiktaalik roseae and comes from the same Late Devonian (Frasnian) stratigraphic unit, the Fram Formation of Ellesmere Island. However, it is from a lower part of the formation and is therefore a bit older than Tiktaalik. It is also smaller (about 75 cm total length, compared to up to 250 cm for Tiktaalik) and has gracile pectoral fins adapted for swimming in open water - an apparent reversal within the elpistostegalian-grade tetrapodomorphs and yet another reminder that evolution does not proceed in straight lines. The authors consider and reject the possibility that Qikiqtania is just a juvenile Tiktaalik.

[Faelrin]

Wow this year has had quite the number of interesting Paleozoic discoveries. Glad to see a relative of Tiktaalik discovered, and in the same area. Also nice to see it had a preserved fin and some scales as well. Thanks for sharing this.

[Halichoeres]

Staying in the water like a sensible fish. Good job, buddy.