Canal Pattern Research Articles

Sclerite ray canals in the Cambrian coeloscleritophoran Chancelloria from North Greenland (Laurentia)

AbstractA sclerite of Chancelloria from the Henson Gletscher Formation (Cambrian Stage 4) of North Greenland preserves phosphatised central ray canals within the sclerite rays, confirming the extension of epithelial tissue into the sclerite interior. The canals fill the basal foramina and extend as thin central tubes within the lumen towards the apex of the individual rays, developing longitudinal ridges distally. In general terms they resemble the robust central canal of Sinosachites (= Thambetolepis), although the leaf-like sclerites of this halkieriid develop an extensive pattern of lateral canals and tubules not seen in the conical rays of Chancelloria. This internal similarity between chancelloriid and halkieriid calcareous sclerites adds support to the notion that coeloscleritophores are a paraphyletic group in which parallel episodes of calcareous mineralisation of pre-bilaterian and bilaterian coeloscleritophoran stocks took place in the early Cambrian from a sclerotised but non-mineralised, chancelloriid-like, eumetazoan ancestor.

Copula lucentia sp. nov., a new box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida) from Western Mediterranean Sea

A new species of box jellyfish, Copula lucentia sp. nov., is described from El Campello, Spain, and compared to the holotype of Copula sivickisi that was successfully recovered after being lost for almost 60 years. So far, the only cubozoan species recorded in the Western Mediterranean was Carybdea marsupialis. The genus Copula just included the type species (Copula sivickisi) reported from different localities in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Morphologically, this new species possesses the typical characteristics of the genus Copula (four adhesive pads on the apex and a vertical keyhole-shaped rhopalial niche ostium) but it can be differentiated from the C. sivickisi holotype by the velarial canal pattern. In C. lucentia sp. nov., the velarial canal roots taper towards the velarial rim and each root bears one to two narrow triangular canals with sharp tips, resembling a bird beak. In contrast, the velarial canal roots of C. sivickisi bear two short, broad canals that increase breadth towards the velarial rim and split up into three- to six-lobed, finger-like canals with rounded tips, giving the canal pattern a paw-like appearance. Molecular analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear 16S ribosomal DNA genes confirm the distinction of the new species and show that there are even more Copula species than expected, but which will not be focused on here. This study highlights not only that there are species yet to be discovered in the Mediterranean Sea but that a revision of the genus Copula is necessary.

A 24-year-Old Boy with Previously Treated and Aberrant Root Canal Anatomy in Mandibular Left First Premolar Tooth

Perfect cleaning and shaping is the key to successful root canal treatment. Therefore, a careful understanding of the internal anatomy and structure of the root canal system is an important factor when performing cleaning and cosmetic procedures. Mandibular premolars are among the most complicated teeth to treat with root canals due to their abnormal root canal anatomy. Furthermore, it varies in different ethnic groups. Therefore, it is needed to evaluate and search for an abnormal root canal anatomy in a failed root canal. In light of these observations, this case report provides a case of previously root canal treated mandibular first premolar tooth which was failed due to different root canal patterns. The tooth was subjected to re-root canal treatment and after completion of the therapy, the tooth was symptomless and patient was referred to the Department of Prosthodontics for a full veneer crown.

Association of root morphology of mandibular second molars on panoramic-like and axial views of cone-beam computed tomography.

Knowledge about the anatomy and morphology of the root canal system is essential for successful surgical and non-surgical root canal treatments. However, precise assessment of the root morphology and anatomy is not often possible on two-dimensional radiographs. This study aimed to investigate the association of root morphology of mandibular second molars on panoramic-like and axial views of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This cross-sectional study evaluated 1,231 CBCT scans of mandibular second molars obtained between October 2018 and February 2022 that were retrieved from the archives of a private radiology clinic. Panoramic-like images were reconstructed from the CBCT scans. The root morphology of mandibular second molars was classified on panoramic-like images as type 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. The root pattern on axial CBCT images was classified into three types of single, double and C-shaped. The association of root morphology on panoramic-like and axial CBCT views was analyzed by the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test at 0.05 level of significance. Of all, 62.7% of mandibular second molars were type 1; out of which, 97.3% had a double-root pattern on axial CBCT images. Also, 28.6% of them were type 2; of which, 92.6% had a double-root pattern. Moreover, 3.9% were type 3; of which, 47.9% had a C-shaped pattern; 0.9% were type 4, and 45.5% of them showed a single-root pattern; 3.8% were type 5 with 76.6% of them showing a single-root pattern. The prevalence of C-shaped canals was higher in females, and most C-shaped canals had a C3 pattern. Root morphology on panoramic-like CBCT views had a strong association with the root canal pattern on axial CBCT views. According to the results, mandibular second molars with a type 3 morphology on panoramic-like CBCT images are highly probable to have a C-shaped canal.

Three-dimensional analysis of mandibular and mental canals corroborating with teeth and mental foramen by cone beam computed tomography.

This study aimed to analyse the 3D patterns of the mandibular and mental canals (MDC and MC) referring to the surrounding prominent surgical landmarks such as teeth and mental foramen by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans of 354 patients aged 18-67 years with mandibular first premolar to second molar were included and reconstructed 3-dimensionally (3D) by mimics. The parameters of MDC and MC were measured referring to teeth and mental foramen. From the first premolars to the second molars, the mandibular canals showed a trend of gradually closer to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of the adjacent teeth and farther away from the buccal cortical plate. The distance of the MDC with the root apexes (RA) was relatively constant from the first premolar to the first molar, but became much closer to the second molar. About 10.8% of the second molars had MDC-RA distances of shorter than 2 mm, and 1.34% even had the MDC superior to the RA. Moreover, the Type III of MC presented in 66.0% of the subjects and had a relatively longer length. Besides, the existence of Type I MC may be related to the MDC featuring with close distances to the RA and CEJ of the adjacent teeth. Dentists and surgeons should know the patterns of mandibular and mental canals. A better understanding of the MDC and MC and their relationship to local anatomical landmarks may facilitate the planning of surgeries and alert potential nerve injuries in the operative procedures.

Taxonomy of three new Neidium Pfitzer species of the Arapiuns and Tapajós Rivers Basin (Santarém, Pará, Brazil)

During our investigations on the taxonomy of diatoms of clear water habitats in the western Pará region, we found three interesting, previously undocumented Neidium species. This study was based on samples taken from different habitats (plankton and sediment) in the Arapiuns and Tapajós Rivers, as well as three lakes. Based on light and scanning electron microscope observations, three new Neidium are distinguished from one another and their congeners by differences in valve outline, stria density, striation pattern, number and position of longitudinal canals and external proximal raphe endings. Furthermore, we provide formal descriptions of these new species and compare them with others similar species. We also discuss variation in several features of taxa currently assigned to the genus Neidium.

Morphologic Variations and Gender Dimorphism in Mandibular First Premolar Root Canal Pattern: A CBCT Study in South Indian Population

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the variations in the RCM of mandibular first premolars (MFP) in south Indians and also evaluated the gender dimorphism and contralateral symmetry of the pattern. Methods: 200 Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of MFP of patients above 18 years were analyzed for the root canal morphology after excluding the distorted images, endodontically treated tooth or fractured root. The teeth were carefully evaluated in cross-sectional, axial and coronal sections and the information regarding the number of roots and the type of root canal as per Vertucci’s classification. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were also checked. Results: Single rooted teeth with Type I (73.01%) variation was the most prevalent pattern observed in the study population, which was followed by Type III (14.11%) and Type V (5.52%), respectively. Type IV and Type VIII variations were not found in our study. Conclusions: In both males and females, type I configuration was the most common pattern with symmetry in contralateral mandibular single-rooted first premolars.

Analysis of the Mental Foramen and Inferior Alveolar Canal pattern based on CBCT data

The mental foramen is located in a position where certain dental procedures may cause inadvertent damage to the mental nerve and lead to disorders of sensory functions such as altered sensa¬tion, complete numbness, and neuropathic pain, which are uncommon but severe treatment complications with significant medico-legal implications. Hence thorough knowledge of its anatomical relation to its surrounding structures is critical while undertaking dental procedures. To investigate the size, shape, and position of the mental foramen (MF), its distance from adjacent teeth and mandibular borders, and the pattern of the inferior alveolar canal using CBCT in the Indian subpopulation. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study The study evaluated 310 CBCT scans (179 males, 131 females) in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. CBCT scans were evaluated, mapped and measured for all the parameters listed above based on age and sex. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, independent‘t-test, and chi-square test. The size of MF is independent of age and sex; the most frequent shape of MF was Type III (round); location was below the apex of the second premolar (p>0.05). The distance of MF from the nearest root apex decreased with an increase in age and more in females than males (p>0.05). Inferior Alveolar Nerve Canal (IAC) pattern was perpendicular, and linear patterns of exit at MF were more common than anterior loops in all age groups.

Assessment of Root Canal Anatomy of Maxillary and Mandibular Canine Teeth: a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

To investigate the root canal anatomy of permanent maxillary and mandibular canines in a Turkish subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT data of 300 patients admitted to our clinic between 2016 and 2018 were screened and evaluated. A total of 235 patients, 100 males and 135 females, aged 14-76 years (mean age 37.27±13.40) were included in this study. A total of 191 (44,8%) maxillary canine teeth and 235 (55,2%) mandibular canine teeth were examined. The number of roots and root canal morphology according to Vertucci’s classification, the presence of accessory canals, and the position of the apical foramen of the root were analyzed. The effect of gender and age on the incidence of root canal morphology was also investigated. The majority of the teeth had a Type I canal configuration in both maxillary canines (100%) and mandibular canines (92,8%). In the mandibular canines the other canal patterns found were Type III (6,8%), and Type II (0,4%). Apical foramen was centrally positioned in the majority of the teeth, 70,2% and 66,8% in maxillary and mandibular canines, respectively. The occurrence of two roots in mandibular canines was 3,8% and the root canal separation was found 53,8% and 46,2% in the middle and cervical third of the root, respectively. No significant statistical difference was observed effect of gender and age on the incidence of the root canal morphology and the position of the apical foramen. Due to the diverse morphology and the potential presence of a second canal for canine teeth among the Turkish subpopulation, dentists should perform endodontic treatments with greater care. CBCT is an accurate tool for the morphological assessment of the root canals.

Incisive canal: Variations on cone beam computed tomography and its impact on dental implant planning

To assess the morphologic patterns of Incisive canal (IC), distance between the IC and buccal cortical plate in partially edentulous patients, distance between the maxillary central incisor (MCI) and IC in dentulous patients and measure length and width of IC on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for implant placement. A total of 104 CBCT scans consisting of 52 dentulous and 52 edentulous patients aged between 20 and 60 years were retrospectively reviewed from the archives’ of oral radiology unit. Kodak 9000C 3D unit was used for obtaining these scans. The morphology, location and dimensions of IC was analysed by two observers. The correlation of age and gender with all the variables was evaluated. The most common pattern found in this study was slanted straight SS (36.5%). A single canal was reported in 95.19% scans. The mean distance from buccal cortical plate to IC was 5.09 while that from MCI to IC was 2.33. The mean canal width of IC in partially edentulous scans was 2.96 while that in dentulous scans was 3.11. The mean canal length of IC was 10.1 in partially edentulous group while it was 10.68, in dentulous group. The study population is safe for implant placement in regards to the pattern and number of canals of IC and compromised with respect to the bone available anterior to the IC. The implantologists’ needs to be aware of these shortcomings while planning implant in the upper anterior region.

USE OF TOOTH CLEARING TECHNIQUE TO DETERMINE ROOT AND CANAL MORPHOLOGY OF PERMANENT MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS IN POPULATION OF PESHAWAR: AN IN VITRO CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

OBJECTIVE: To find out number of roots, root-canals and canal configuration in permanent mandibular third molars through tooth clearing technique. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 193 extracted human mandibular permanent third molars with completely formed apical foramen and intact roots were collected from both genders treated at dental hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan from 1st July to 31st December 2019. After collection teeth were visually inspected to count number of roots, followed by access cavity preparation, pulp extirpation and canal staining with black Indian ink. Decalcification was done by placing teeth in nitric acid for 5 days followed by dehydration in ascending concentrations of alcohol. Complete transparency was achieved by immersing teeth in methyl-salicylate for 72 hours. Transparent teeth were inspected again for number of roots and root-canals. RESULTS: Among 193 extracted mandibular third molars, (n=161; 83.4%) had two-roots and (n=24; 12.4%) were single-rooted. Two-canals were present in vast majority (n=142; 73.6%) whereas three and one-canal were seen in (n=37; 19.2%) and (n=13; 6.7%) teeth respectively. Most common type of root canal pattern was Vertucci’s Type-I in mesial-roots (n=79; 63.7%) and distal-roots (n=120; 96.8%). Vertucci’s Type-II and Type-IV were (n=15; 12.1%) and (n=12; 9.7%) in the mesial-roots respectively. Mandibular third molars didn’t present with any configurations that didn’t fullfill Vertucci’s criteria. Correlation between number of roots and root-canals of mandibular third molars was non-significant. CONCLUSION: Two-roots and two-canals were common patterns for mandibular third molars. Mesial and distal roots were predominant in Type-I followed by Type-II and Type-IV Vertucci’s classification.

Root Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Premolars using Radiography: An in vitro study

Objective: The goal of this study was to document the Root Canal morphology of the first mandibular premolars using radiography.
 Materials and Methods: The trial took place at the LUMHS Operative Dentistry Department. Two hundred removed permanent mandibular first premolars that met all of the study's inclusion criteria were gathered from LUMHS Jamshoro/Hyderabad and nearby private dental clinics in Hyderabad. All debris, soft tissues, and calculus were removed from the teeth, which were then preserved in a 10% formalin solution. Each tooth's length was measured from the crown's tip to the root's apex. An removed tooth, on the other hand, was examined from all angles, including buccal, lingual, and proximal. Root concavities and grooves, as well as bifurcation and apical curvature, were found.
 Results: Comparison between both views showed 189 teeth have 1 root in and 186 have 1 canal in buccolingual view, while 182 teeth have 1 root and 179 have 1 canal in mesiodistal view. 11 teeth on buccolingual and 18 teeth on mesiodistal view showed 2 roots and 14 teeth on buccolingual and 21 teeth on mesiodistal view showed 2 canals. 110 teetj showed type I canal pattern.
 Conclusion: It is concluded that mandibular first premolar teeth have a wide range of radicular traits, with the majority of them having one root and one canal.

Endodontic anatomy of lower premolars in a subpopulation from the Mureş county.

Abstract Background/Aim: Thorough knowledge of the endodontic anatomy and comprehensive understanding of root canal morphological variations are mandatory to ensure the successful outcome of the endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of root canals of first and second lower premolars in a selected population to the root canal pattern reported by endodontic literature and to analyze the gender distribution. Material and methods: A total of 376 preoperative periapical radiographs were obtained from patients living in the Mureş County of Romania. The X-rays were analyzed by 3 endodontists into determining whether the mandibular premolars had one, two or three root canals. The difference between male and female gender distribution was also examined. Endodontic treatment was then performed using the operating microscope to confirm the root canal configuration of the radiographic analysis. The results were compared to common knowledge of the endodontic literature. Results: In this study, by using the radiographic method combined with direct observation aided by the operating microscope, 31.3% of first premolars and 14.6% of second premolars were found to have two root canals. A higher percentage of two root canals were found in females for both first (60.97%) and second premolars (76.9%). Conclusion: In the Mureş County region, mandibular premolars with two root canals have a significantly higher rate than the literature reports. Female patients have a higher prevalence than male patients. This should concern clinicians from this area to be aware of these facts as it can unquestionably influence the tooth’s long-term prognosis.

Prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals with unusual patterns of nerve branching using cone beam computed tomography.

Lack of knowledge concerning the inferior alveolar canal anatomical variations had proven to increase the incidence of surgical complications, so the study aimed to assess the configuration and prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone beam CT in Egyptian subpopulation. Cone beam CT scans of 278 patients (530 hemi-mandibles) were included in the study, in which bifid and trifid mandibular canals or any other branching patterns were recorded and evaluated. Bifid canals were categorized following Naitoh classification, and the diameter of the main mandibular and accessory canals was measured. Bifid canals were detected in 181 canals (34%) while trifid canals in 46 canals (8.7%). Upon classifying the bifid canals, 78 canals showed forward type, 40 retromolar type, 33 dental type, and 7 canals showed buccolingual type. Two special bifid canals subtypes were reported in 23 canals and nine distinct patterns of trifid canals were reported in our study. In addition, unusual patterns of canal branching were reported in 5 cases. The mean diameter of the accessory canals was 1.18 ± .54mm and the main canal was 3.98 ± 1.31mm. This study reported a high prevalence (54%) of canal branching, which reinforces the importance of cone beam CT in pre-surgical planning.

Root. Canal. Morphology. of Mandibular. First. Permanent. Molars. in a Pakistani. Sub-population

Aim : To investigate the number and. patterns of. root canals. of mandibular. first. molars.. Methods.: Descriptive observational study to investigate the canal morphology using clearing technique. The duration of the study was one year from 1st February 2020 to 1st February 2021.Non purposive sampling technique was used and 200 mandibular first molar were collected. Data collected was analysed using the SPSS Vr 10. Study variables include Number and pattern of the roots in mandibular teeth. Descriptive statistics were used; frequencies of the root canals and their canal pattern were calculated. Results: In the mesial root, 14 teeth had a one root canal,186 possessed double root canals were observed. Distal root of 160 teeth possessed one canal, 40 teeth possessed two root canals with type 1 pattern mostly observed. Conclusion: Like other populations Pakistani population may have a diverse root canal system in the mandibular molars that ultimately affect endodontic therapy. Keywords: Roots, canals, anatomy, tooth clearing technique, demineralization

Maxillary first molar endodontic management with seven root canals diagnosed using CBCT: A case study

The main objective of this case study is to present an unusual maxillary first molar root canal configuration with seven root canals; three mesiobuccal, two distobuccal and two palatal canals diagnosed during treatment procedure confirmed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography. A 26-year-old man with the chief complaint of spontaneous pain in his left posterior maxilla was referred to by his general dentist. From the clinical and radiographic results, a diagnosis of apical periodontitis was made and the patient was recommended for endodontic care. The CBCT axial images of the patient showed that the palatal and distobuccal roots have a type IV and type II canal pattern of Vertucci, respectively, while the mesiobuccal root showed a type XV canal configuration of Sert and Bayirli. Canals have been successfully treated with rotary files and filled using a single-cone technique. In endodontically difficult situations, the use of CBCT imaging will promote a deeper understanding of the intricate root canal anatomy, which essentially helps the clinician to more effectively explore the root canal system and clean, shape, and obturate it. Keywords: Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Maxillary first molar, Root canal anatomy, Seven root canals.

Anatomical Evaluation of Maxillary Premolars in a Saudi Population: An In Vivo Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study

Evaluation of the root canal morphology of maxillary premolars was the primary objective of this study, on the criteria of the roots present, canals detected in the roots, and anatomical canal patterns according to Vertucci's classification observed in the Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographic analysis comparing them to previous reports in the same population. A total of 710 maxillary 1st and 2nd premolars were considered in this research; of which 351 were 1st premolars and 359 were 2nd premolars. These premolars were investigated for their external and internal anatomy using CBCT. Teeth with apical closure and complete root development were included in the study. Endodontically treated teeth, teeth with calcified canals or resorbed roots, as well as unclear teeth on CBCT images were excluded. Among the 351 maxillary 1st premolars, 40.7% of teeth had 1 root, 57.5% had 2 roots, and 1.7% had 3 roots. Around 93.2% of teeth had 2 canals, 3.7% had 1 canal, 2.6% had 3 canals, and 0.4% had 4 canals. According to Vertucci's classification, 63.8% of teeth had class IV configuration, 14.8% had class V configuration, 7.7% had class III configuration, and 6.8% had class II configuration. Likewise, among the maxillary second premolars, 88% of teeth had 1 root and 12% of teeth had 2 roots. Around 38.2% of teeth had a single canal while 61.0% of teeth had 2 canals, and 3 teeth were found with the extra canal (had 3 canals). More than one-third (38.2%) of teeth had Vertucci type I, 19.2% had Vertucci type IV, 15.3% had Vertucci type III, and 12.3% had Vertucci type V. Maxillary first premolars had a higher prevalence of 2 roots, whereas one root was predominant in second premolars. Most of the maxillary premolars had 2 canals with the majority having Vertucci type IV in the first premolars and type I in the second premolars. Maxillary premolars present with external and internal anatomical variations, so clinician should be aware about these varieties by taking small field of view CBCT when needed which will be of great value.

Endodontic management of a mandibular second molar with C-shaped canals

The aim of this case report is to explain the etiology and management of C-shaped canals. An important anatomic variant in root canal morphology, the C configuration, presents as a thin fin connecting the canals with a predilection for mandibular second molars. Early recognition of the C-shape becomes imperative for its successful management. Newer diagnostic tools have facilitated a more precise diagnosis of this condition. Clinical and radiographic diagnoses can aid in the identification and negotiation of the fan-shaped areas. The inaccessible areas and unique canal patterns make provision of optimum treatment quality a highly challenging proposition. Successful endodontic therapy of this canal configuration can be achieved with rotary and hand instrumentation assisted with ultrasonics.

Assessment of Mesial Canals Morphology of Mandibular First Molars Using CBCT: An In-vitro Study

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between canal configuration, distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) orifices and the degree of canals curvature in the mesial root of permanent mandibular first molars in a sample of Sudanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: A total of 143 extracted mandibular first molars were processed and scanned with CBCT to determine the configuration of the mesial root canals according to the Vertucci classification. The interorificial distance and the degree of canal curvature in clinical (CV) and proximal (PV) views using Schneider technique were assessed. Results: The commonest canal configuration was type IV (53.1%). The interorificial distance was significantly shorter in type VI compared to other types (P < 0.05). Significant association was found for type IV between the MB and ML canal in the primary curvature regarding CV and PV, and for type II regarding PV in primary and secondary curvature (P < 0.05). In type IV the degree of secondary curvature of MB canal regarding PV, and in the ML canal in CV was significantly lower compared to other types (P < 0.05). Significant correlation was seen in PV of primary curvature in the MB for type VI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The interorificial distance and secondary curvatures in CV for MB canal were found to be key factors for predicting root canal patterns in PV.KeywordsCanal morphology; Canal curvature; Interorificial distance; Mandibular molars.

New halecomorph (Actinopterygii, Neopterygii) from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Upper Jurassic, Late Kimmeridgian), Germany

ABSTRACT Early Mesozoic halecomorphs are highly diverse, but their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships are still controversial. We describe here a new halecomorph taxon from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone, southern Germany. Sanctusichthys rieteri, gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by the peculiar patterns of skull roofing bones and cephalic sensory canals, and a unique squamation made of tiny lepisosteoid-type scales with extremely or completely reduced ganoin layer. Very peculiarly, S. rieteri presents a series of bones placed between the frontals and the anamestic supraorbitals, one of them carrying a portion of the main supraorbital sensory canal between the frontal and nasal bones. These bones, here called parafrontals, are so far unknown in other actinopterygians. The new taxon resembles most closely several Late Jurassic Furo-like halecomorphs, which have been classified in the family Furidae and are currently placed in either of the controversial orders Ophiopsiformes or Ionoscopiformes. The close phylogenetic relationships between these taxa are confirmed in a cladistic analysis that retrieves Sanctusichthys within a broadly defined Ionoscopiformes, including the potentially independent Ophiopsiformes. Interestingly, these Furo-like halecomorphs are highly diverse in the Late Jurassic deposits of southern Germany, and they are especially well represented—with four species accounting for 15% of the actinopterygian taxa—in the Nusplingen quarry, which yields one of the three most diverse Jurassic assemblages of these fishes. The paleoecological significance of this high diversity can only be explored after solving the β-taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of these Furo-like taxa.