Fossilized Fish

52 Million Year Old:

Fossilized Fish

Knightia eocaena

K. eocaena is the most common fish in FossilLake and may be the most common articulated vertebrate fossil in the world. It is Wyoming's state fossil. 

Fifty-million years ago, ancient Fossil Lake existed in what is now southwest Wyoming. Of its estimated maximum extent of 930 square miles, approximately 500 square miles of sediments remain. The 230 square miles across the center of the ancient lakebed contain exceptionally fossiliferous sediments and associated geologic features including deltas, beaches, springs, and rocks from center and near shore environments.

The unusual chemistry of Fossil Lake prevented decay and scavenging of dead organisms, while millimeter-thick layers of alternating limestone and organic matter slowly accumulated. The resulting laminated limestones contain the highest concentration of articulated fossil fish in the world. These fish, other fossilized aquatic organisms, and associated geologic features make Fossil Lake the world's best Paleogene record of a freshwater lake ecosystem. 

Since its discovery in the 1870s more than a million perfectly preserved fossil fish have been recovered.

You will receive one of the two examples shown.