Valencia (fish)


Valencia is the only genus in the family Valenciidae. Valencia is a genus of ray-finned fishes. It was formerly grouped into the family Cyprinodontidae, but more recent studies support it being its own family most closely related to the Aphaniidae. Members of this genus are restricted to southern Europe.

Taxonomy

There are currently three recognized species in Valencia:
  • Valencia hispanica
  • Valencia letourneuxi
  • Valencia robertae Freyhof, Kärst & Geiger, 2014
The Valenciidae were formerly a much more diverse lineage in prehistoric times. The following fossil genera are also known:
  • †Aphanolebias Reichenbacher & Gaudant, 2003
  • †Francolebias Costa, 2012
  • †Miovalencia Mainero, Vasilyan & Reichenbacher, 2024
  • †Prolebias Sauvage, 1874
  • †Wilsonilebias Mainero, Vasilyan & Reichenbacher, 2024
This group has a rich fossil record dating to the Early Oligocene. Their evolution was driven by shifts in the Mediterranean and the Paratethys Seas.