The spelling of the word "Myxinikela Siroka" may seem daunting, but with the help of IPA phonetic transcription, its pronunciation can be easily understood. The first word, "Myxinikela," is pronounced as "mɪksɪnaɪkələ." The second word, "Siroka," is pronounced as "sɪroʊkə." Together, this scientific name refers to a type of hagfish found in the Pacific Ocean. While the spelling may be challenging, the phonetic transcription allows for clear communication about this unique creature.
Myxinikela siroka is an extinct species of jawless fish that lived during the Late Silurian period, around 415 million years ago. It belongs to the group of primitive fishes known as the Myxinikela, which are characterized by their eel-like body shape and lack of jaws.
The species name, siroka, refers to the locality in the Czech Republic where the type specimen was found. It was first described and named in 2017 based on well-preserved fossils found in marine limestone deposits.
Myxinikela siroka had a slender and elongated body, measuring approximately 30 centimeters in length. It possessed numerous pairs of gill pouches along the length of its body, which it used for respiration. Its skin was smooth and scaleless, and it likely had a slimy coating to facilitate movement through water.
Being a jawless fish, Myxinikela siroka lacked true teeth and jaws. Instead, it had a circular mouth surrounded by soft, fleshy lips that it used to suck in food. Its diet likely consisted of small invertebrates and organic debris found on the ocean floor.
The discovery of Myxinikela siroka provides valuable insights into the evolution of jawless fishes and their diversity during the Silurian period.