North America, Western United States, Wyoming, Green River Formation, Eocene, ca. 40 million years ago. This is a stunning fossilized fish encased in a sandstone matrix: Priscacara, known for its sunfish-like body and spines. This fish is a type of bass, with prominent dorsal and anal spines, both preserved in this specimen. Often these fish are found fossilized in groups, suggesting they swam in schools. The deep umber brown of this fossilized fish contrasts nicely against the beige sandstone matrix, making this a perfect addition to any collection. Size of fossil: 5" L x 2.25" W (12.7 cm x 5.7 cm); matrix: 10.75" L x 9.125" W (27.3 cm x 23.2 cm)
The Eocene stage was the warmest of the Cenozoic (our current era), with an average mean temperature around 86 F (30 C); for comparison, the average mean temperature in the last seventy years is around 58 F (14 C). Although the map of the Earth's surface would have been very recognizable to us today, with most of the continents in place and India moving close to its current position, there were almost no ice caps and huge swaths of the landscape were covered with water. During the Cretaceous period and into the early Paleocene - just before the Eocene, a vast inland sea covered the center of North America, known as the Western Interior Seaway. This ancient world was ruled by fish and aquatic plants, like those preserved in this slab.
Provenance: private Hagar collection, Wildwood, Missouri, USA
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#160011
Condition
Professionally prepared and excavated. Fish fossil is excellent. Great coloration and position. Matrix in intact.