Rare Monte Bolca Fossil Fish | Italy

Indeterminate sp.
Eocene (~50 MYO)
Bolca, Italy

Specimen dimensions: 13.6" x 8.9" x 0.8" (34.5 cm x 22.5 cm x 2 cm)

Specimen weight: 5.9 lbs / 2.7 kg

Monte Bolca is one of the most significant fossil lagerstätten from the Eocene epoch, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved marine fossils. Located in northern Italy, this site dates to approximately 50 million years ago and represents a tropical lagoon environment that was once part of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

The fine-grained limestone and laminated bedding suggest periodic anoxic conditions that helped preserve delicate organisms in exquisite detail. The presence of reef associated species and terrestrial plant material indicates that this lagoon was near a coastal environment with nearby landmasses.

Monte Bolca is world-famous for its fossil fish, many of which display articulated skeletons, soft tissue impressions, and even stomach contents. More than 250 species of fish have been described. Terrestrial influences are also evident, with fossils of plants, insects, and even occasional reptiles found in the deposits. This suggests that Monte Bolca's lagoon was bordered by a tropical forest.