Species: Diplomystus dentatus, Knightia Age: Eocene (approx. 35-50 million years ago) Source: Green River, WY Size: 7.5 x 5.5 in
This incredible plate features two species of fossilized fish! Diplomystus dentatus is an extinct genus of freshwater fish distantly related to modern-day herrings and sardines, found in the Green River formation in Wyoming, while knightia is an extinct genus belonging to the same family as herrings and sardines.
The unusual chemical conditions at the bottom of Fossil Lake in Wyoming slowed bacterial decomposition, prevented scavengers from disturbing corpses, and suffocated creatures that ventured into the oxygen-starved aquatic layer. This resulted in a range of perfectly preserved animal remains, including a number of these incredibly well-preserved prehistoric fish.
Please note that there is evidence of repair in the fossil plate, as can be seen in the photos. It does not detract from the aesthetic of this unique piece of natural history.
