Fossil Fish Mural
Early Eocene Epoch (approx. 52-48 million years ago), Green River Formation, Lincoln Co., Wyoming
No reserve
Auction Closed
July 16, 06:46 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Fossil Fish Mural
Phareodus encaustus, Diplomystus dentatus, and Knightia eocaena
Early Eocene Epoch (approx. 52-48 million years ago)
Green River Formation, Lincoln Co., Wyoming
59 x 46 x 3¼ inches (149.9 x 116.8 x 8.3 cm). 256 pounds (116.1 kg).
A fossil fish mosaic mural assembled on a large slab of grey limestone matrix. Largest fish (Phareodus encaustus) measures 22¼ inches (56.5 cm) in length. Backed in wood with finished beveled edges for wall hanging.
50 million years ago, the Green River Formation comprised an area of more than 25,000 square miles (65,000 sq. km) of interconnected subtropical lakes spread across the current states of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Today, the region of the Green River Formation known as Fossil Lake boasts some of the most abundant and well-preserved freshwater fossils anywhere in the world.
Highlights from this fossil fish mural include two wonderfully preserved example of the carnivorous, solitary hunter Phareodus encaustus; the large surface feeder Diplomystus dentatus, characterized by its distinctive upturned mouth and V-shaped tail; and a large array of Knightia eocaena, the state fossil of Wyoming and a fish upon which both Phareodus and Diplomystus would have predated.