A RARE FOSSIL DOGFISH

A RARE FOSSIL DOGFISH

Amia pattersoni

Eocene

Green River Formation, Lincoln Co, Wyoming

On sandstone matric plate measuring 23 ¼ x 33 ¾ x 2 ½ inches (59.1 x 85.7 x 6.4 cm).

Of the nineteen genera of fish to be found in the abundant fossil beds of the Green River Formation, one of the rarest is the Amia; a prehistoric relative of the modern bowfin, commonly referred to as mudfish. These large fish could grow to over four feet long and were bottom feeders and scavengers; distinguished by the dorsal fin that ran almost the entire length of their body. Though the present specimen has been restored, as it was found in several segments, the thick boney skull itself is in very good condition with many of its sharp teeth exposed and free of matrix. Much of the body is still covered with well-preserved scales of rounded-off rectangular shape and the raised spine looks to be intact.

PROVENANCE

Private Florida collection