2.7" Diplomystus Dentatus Fossil Fish Green River FM WY Eocene Age COA, Stand
Location: Kemmerer, Wyoming
Weight: 5.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 4.5 Inches Long, 3.7 Inches Wide, 3 Inches Thick (Plate)
Fish Dimensions: 2.7 Inches Long, 1.1 Inches Wide
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The item pictured is the one you will receive.
56 million years old, Eocene age.
Diplomystus Dentatus morphology, including its upturned mouth, is prototypic of a surface-feeding fish. The genus is herrings that likely fed on small surface-dwelling fish such as Knightia is evidenced by numerous fossils found with Knightia in the stomach or mouth.
Fifty million years ago, Fossil Lake was located in present-day southwest Wyoming. It once stretched over an estimated maximum of 930 square miles, with around 500 square miles of sediment still preserved today. The central 230 square miles of the ancient lakebed contain exceptionally fossil-rich sediments and related geological features, including deltas, beaches, springs, and rocks from both the center and nearshore environments.
The unique chemistry of the fossil lake prevented decomposition and scavenging of dead organisms, allowing millimeter-thick layers of alternating limestone to accumulate gradually. These laminated limestones hold the highest concentration of fossil fish worldwide. The fossils of fish, other aquatic creatures, and surrounding geological features make Fossil Lake the best Paleogene record of freshwater lake ecosystems globally.
Since its discovery in the 1870s, many well-preserved fossil fish have been recovered. Along with these fish, the preserved laminated limestone contains a complete aquatic ecosystem: cyanobacteria, plants, insects, crustaceans (such as shrimp, crawfish, and ostracods), amphibians (including frogs and primitive salamanders), alligators, turtles, birds, and mammals, notably the oldest pantolestid (an otter-like animal). The subtropical terrestrial environment surrounding the lake is also represented by rare fossils, including a horse, two snakes, lizards, two bat species, birds, apatemyids (an arboreal insectivore), minced (a primitive carnivore), insects, and over 325 types of leaves and seeds flowers.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried underground for millions of years under immense pressure can be quite harsh. Rarely is a fossil found completely intact and perfect. Many fossils require some form of restoration, and some are even modified by humans to improve their appearance. These features are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not seen as flaws.
