Fossil Chalk Fish Scales (Osteichthyes) | Grey Chalk Cretaceous Clyde Sussex UK | Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

Own a rare and scientifically valuable specimen of fossil fish scales (Osteichthyes) from the Grey Chalk Formation of the Cretaceous period, collected in Clyde, Sussex, UK. These scales represent part of the bony fish group (Osteichthyes), a major vertebrate lineage that dominated Mesozoic marine environments.

Fossil Type: Fish Scales (Osteichthyes – Bony Fish)

Geological Period: Late Cretaceous (~100.5 to 89.8 million years ago)

Formation: Grey Chalk Formation

Location: Clyde, Sussex, United Kingdom

Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (Please refer to the photo for full sizing)

Specimen: The actual specimen in the listing photo is the one you will receive

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological and Paleontological Context

These fossil fish scales belonged to Osteichthyes, or bony fish, a major group of marine vertebrates that thrived in the Cretaceous seas. The Grey Chalk is known for preserving delicate microfossils, vertebrate remains, and marine invertebrates from shallow, warm seas rich in calcium carbonate sediments.

• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned bony fishes)
• Geological Stage: Most likely Cenomanian stage (~100.5–93.9 Ma), based on regional stratigraphy of the Grey Chalk
• Depositional Environment: Calm, shallow marine shelf with low-energy sedimentation; fossilisation occurred within fine calcareous sediments of the chalk sea
• Morphological Features: Small, shiny or mineralised scales often showing fine ridges, growth rings, or peg-and-socket articulation patterns typical of actinopterygian fishes
• Notable: Fossil fish remains in the Grey Chalk are rare compared to invertebrate fossils, making vertebrate microfossils like these valuable for collectors and paleontologists
• Biozone: May be associated with the Lower to Middle Cenomanian ammonite or inoceramid zones (e.g., Mantelliceras or Inoceramus zones)
• Identifier: Osteichthyan microremains have been recorded in UK chalk studies since the 19th century; formal identification to genus level often requires microscopic examination

Why This Fossil is Special

Fossil fish scales like these are a window into the vertebrate life of the Cretaceous chalk seas—often overlooked yet scientifically important. These remains can be used to reconstruct fish diversity and ecology in ancient marine ecosystems.

Why Buy From Us?

• 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• The exact item shown is the one you’ll receive
• Carefully sourced from reputable UK fossil sites
• Excellent for microfossil collectors, educators, and vertebrate paleontology enthusiasts

Own a piece of ancient marine vertebrate history with this Osteichthyes fossil fish scale specimen from the Grey Chalk of Clyde, Sussex—a rare glimpse into bony fish evolution from over 90 million years ago.