Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪʃə] (IPA) 
The word "knightia" is spelled with a combination of letters that do not match the sound we might expect them to make. According to IPA phonetic transcription, the "k" is pronounced as /n/ and the "gh" is silent, making the first syllable sound like "nite." The "t" and "i" together create the sound /ʃ/ as in "sh." The second syllable ends with the sound /iə/ as in "ear." So, the correct pronunciation of "knightia" is /naɪtʃiə/.
Knightia is a genus of extinct fishes belonging to the family Knightiidae, which existed during the Eocene epoch, approximately 55 to 34 million years ago. These fishes were small and primarily inhabited the freshwater lakes and rivers of North America.
The name Knightia is derived from the Englishman C.R. Knight, who discovered and studied a significant amount of fossil material related to this genus. These fossils are commonly found in the well-known Green River Formation, which is located in what is now the western United States.
Characteristically, Knightia had a streamlined body shape and measured between 2 to 6 inches in length. They possessed a single dorsal fin, located towards the rear of the body, and a small mouth with numerous tiny teeth that were ideal for consuming small invertebrates and phytoplankton.
Knightia is particularly important in the field of paleontology due to the abundance and exceptional preservation of its fossils. The Green River Formation has yielded countless beautifully preserved Knightia specimens, often displaying intricate details of the skeleton and soft tissues. As a result, Knightia fossils have become prized by collectors and researchers, offering valuable insights into the ancient ecosystems of North America during the Eocene period. Their presence in vast numbers suggests that Knightia likely played a key role in the food web of its time.
The word "knightia" has its etymology rooted in the name of a genus of extinct fish that lived in New Zealand during the Oligocene and Miocene periods. The genus was named "Knightia" in honor of Richard Owen, a renowned British paleontologist and anatomist, by the British geologist Sir Julius von Haast in 1866. The choice of name followed the tradition of using the surnames of distinguished scientists to honor them by assigning their names to new species or genera. Therefore, "knightia" does not possess a specific etymology beyond its connection to the scientist Richard Owen.
