Assorted Fossil Fish Plate | 100% Natural | Green River Formation | Wyoming
In Stone Fossils Private Quarry
Plate approx. size: 38.25" x 35.5"
Diplomystus approx. size: 18"
Phareodus approx. size: 9.25"
Cockerellites approx. size: 5.25"
This exceptional fossil plate features a Diplomystus with a smaller fish inside its stomach. This rare occurrence provides a glimpse into a dynamic ecological event that has been frozen in time for millions of years.
**Due to the size of this specimen, it will be shipped in an internationally compliant wooden crate. The plate itself is backed with 3/4" plywood for durability and easy wall hanging. We recommend a french cleat system for hanging purposes.
Shipping costs will be calculated and billed after purchase. Please contact us if you need a specific shipping rate prior to purchase. You may opt in for in-store pickup to cut your shipping costs all together and pick up your specimen in person. You can pick up from our store location in Kemmerer, Wyoming, or we deliver to both the Denver Gem & Mineral show in the Fall and the Tucson Gem & Mineral show in the winter. For any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
Diplomystus is an extinct genus of freshwater clupeomorph fish distantly related to modern-day extant herrings, alewives, and sardines. The genus was first named and described by Edward Drinker Cope in 1877.
Ray-finned Fish - Diplomystus dentatus
Order Ellimmichthyiformes, Family Paraclupeidae
The last known species of the Ellimmichthyiformes order went extinct sometime in the middle Eocene. D. dentatus is a primitive relative of the modern day herring. The genus Diplomystus is also known from fossil deposits in China.
D. dentatus is the 2nd most common fossil fish found from Fossil Lake. Specimens ranging from embryonic size (about 0.7 inches) to full-grown adults (about 26 inches) are common. Smaller-sized specimens are more commonly found in mid-lake than near-shore deposits. This suggests that D. dentatus spawned in open water.
This species' upturned mouth indicates it fed at the surface of Fossil Lake. D. dentatus specimens are commonly found with other fish stuck in their mouths, including other D. dentatus specimens.
In the ancient waters of Fossil Lake, a formidable predator roamed. The Phareodus testis, a smaller but equally fascinating cousin of Phareodus encaustus. Both species boasted striking features, including pointy teeth and an impressive pectoral fin.
The Bony-Tongue Fish Family
Phareodus encaustus and Phareodus testis belong to the order Osteoglossiformes and family Osteoglossidae. Today, this family comprises 10 modern species that thrive in tropical freshwater habitats across South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Interestingly, these fish are mouth-brooders, where parents carefully nurture eggs and hatchlings in their mouths.
Fossil Discoveries
Fossil records reveal that adult Phareodus specimens often went solo, whereas juveniles frequently gathered in large groups. This suggests that Phareodus fish schooled together during their youth before becoming solitary predators as adults. The presence of smaller fish in their jaws and stomachs confirms their predatory nature. Adaptations like rearward-oriented fins and large, sharp teeth enabled Phareodus to chase down prey with ease.
Size Comparison
While Phareodus encaustus reached an impressive 30 inches in length, its smaller counterpart, Phareodus testis, measured around 20 inches. Despite their size difference, both species played vital roles in their ancient ecosystem.
Order Perciformes
Family Moronidae
A diverse assemblage of fossil fish species, including C. liops, P. serrata, H. hypsacantha, and undescribed species of Priscacara and Hypsiprisca, have been discovered in the fossil record.
C. liops Specimens
Fossil evidence suggests that C. liops exhibited a gregarious behavior, with specimens found both as isolated individuals and in mass mortality assemblages. This indicates that C. liops likely traveled in schools throughout its life cycle.
Morphological Characteristics
- Maximum size: 6 inches
- Body shape: Similar to that of modern members of the family Centrarchidae (sunfish family), suggesting a possible convergent evolutionary relationship.
Paleoecological Implications
The presence of C. liops and other fossil fish species in the Moronidae family provides valuable insights into the paleoecology of ancient aquatic ecosystems. The discovery of mass mortality assemblages and the inferred schooling behavior of C. liops offer a glimpse into the complex interactions and dynamics of ancient fish populations.