Mioplosus labracoides Fossil Fish (with stand)
A 10" Mioplosus fish fossil with excellent presentation and preservation. The details of the skeleton are bold and slightly raised from the matrix, giving it nice texture and character. This is one of the more rare fish from the Green River Formation. A stand is included.
Measurements: Plate size ~ 15-1/2" long x 8-3/4" tall x 5/8" deep - Fish: ~ 10" long
Location: Green River Formation, Wyoming State, USA
Time Period: Eocene ~ 50-60 myo
The Green River Formation in the USA covers an area over 25,000 square miles and is more than 2,000 feet thick. This formation, dates back more than 50 million years. It is one of the largest documented accumulations of sedimentary rock in the world. At the time, the area was sub-tropical and many different species flourished. Today, the majority of Fossil Fish taken out of this limestone formation are from two separate layers. "The 18" layer and the split fish layer". The 18" layer is composed of laminated sheets of limestone, allowing for fossil fish specimens to be extracted whole.
Mioplosus labracoides was one species of fish to live in this location. From its pointed teeth and the fact that many specimens are found with smaller fish within their mouths Mioplosus was determined to be an avid predator. Most Mioplosus fossils are found singularly, so it theorized these specimens hunted alone. Mioplosus is a rare fish from the Green River Formation and it is thought to be related to today's Pike