These bones come from a Pleistocene archaeological site located in Timor-Leste near Lake Ira Lalaro. Freshwater and marine fish remains have already been identified at this site. We have a few ideas that are not very conclusive. If you have any clues, don't hesitate. Thanks !
Previous studies of convergence in fish feeding systems have investigated morphological traits associated with the repeated occurrence of zooplanktivory in surgeonfishes (Acanthuroidei) and morphological and kinematic traits of ram/suction feeding strategies in piscivorous cichlids and centrarchids. Durophagy in fish feeding systems is defined as the ability to eat hard prey. The most durophagous fishes are able to crush hard-shelled molluscs in their jaws. Twenty-five species of marine teleosts from nine families found in coastal waters around Florida (the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico) and in the Caribbean, have been documented as molluscivores (>20% of diet by volume)
if you need more information this paper have good what you need
https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/80/1/147/2636480
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/pharyngeal-jaw
Hello,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question.
I actually already know those papers and I agree about the feeding behavior. I would like to know if this could belong to a freshwater fish (I'm more used to work on marine fish bones and I've never seen this so far). I don't have a lot of information about the ichthyofauna of Timor-Leste, especially during the Pleistocene as some invasive species have been introduced in the river system. Cichlidae are not endemic to Asia, they are present in Timor only since the 20'.
Identifying fish pharyngeals (gill arches) can be a challenging task, as the shape, size, and structure of these structures can vary significantly between different species of fish. In order to accurately identify fish pharyngeals, it is often necessary to have access to detailed descriptions or illustrations of the pharyngeals for various species, as well as a good understanding of fish anatomy and taxonomy.
To identify fish pharyngeals, you will need to examine the shape and size of the pharyngeals, as well as the presence or absence of specific features such as gill rakers, gill filaments, and gill plates. You may also need to consider other factors such as the overall size and shape of the fish, the presence or absence of scales, and the location of the fish (marine or freshwater).
It is important to note that the identification of fish pharyngeals can be difficult even for experts in fish biology, and that it may be necessary to seek the help of a specialist in order to accurately identify these structures. In some cases, it may also be necessary to use more advanced techniques such as microscopy or DNA analysis in order to accurately identify the species of fish.
Nevertheless, cichlids have a similar lower pharyngeal jaws. But I don't know all the diversity in other species. Please, let us know, if you have found the answer.
Dear Anastasia,
Thank you for your answer. By any chance, would you have a comparative picture?
Dear Aleksey,
Yes, they look like cichlids pharyngeals but the bones have Pleistocene age so it's impossible. We are think about Gerreidae.
Clara, you could try sending these pictures over the Zooarchaeology email list server at [email protected]
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