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Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – eocene, green river formation, usa – genuine prehistoric skeletal specimen with certificate
Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – eocene, green river formation, usa – genuine prehistoric skeletal specimen with certificate - Image 2

Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – eocene, green river formation, usa – genuine prehistoric skeletal specimen with certificate

£32.40

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authentication

 

Name: Knightia alta

Species: Fish

Specimen: Skeletal Fish Remains in Matrix

Age: Eocene

Location Found: USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 89 x 9 x 65mm (3.5 x 0.35 x 2.56 inches)

 

Knightia is an extinct fish that lived in the fresh water lakes and rivers of North America and Asia during the Eocene epoch, 56 to 33.9 million years ago. They belong to the same taxonomic family as herring and sardines, and likely fed on algae and diatoms, as well as insects and the occasional smaller fish. Knightia fish had heavy scales, small conical teeth, and rows of dorsal and ventral scutes that ran from the back of the head to the medial fins. They were schooling fish and are often preserved as fossils still in their shoals, with some specimens even being preserved on top of each other.

 

These fish are genuine fossils, however, it is usually only the skeletal section of the fish that is left when they are found in the matrix due to the rest decomposing over time. These skeletal remains can be slightly incomplete or not overly recognisable as to the what way the fish is laying etc. so the preparers will paint the piece with a brown stain to give a protective layer, and to help highlight the correct position of the fish, and it is not uncommon for them to paint where the fins etc would have been so to portray what the actual fish would have looked like.

 

The fossil is a carefully chosen piece, with a photo that shows the actual specimen you will receive.

(Actual as seen)

Out of stock

SKU: FP9751 Category:

Description

This authentic fossil features a beautifully preserved Knightia alta, an extinct genus of schooling fish from the Eocene Epoch, dating back approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago. This specimen was discovered in the world-renowned Green River Formation, located in the western United States, known for its exceptional preservation of prehistoric freshwater fish.

Knightia belonged to the Clupeidae family, making them close relatives of today’s herrings and sardines. These fish were abundant in ancient Eocene lakes and played a crucial role in the aquatic food chain. Knightia likely fed on plankton, diatoms, and small invertebrates, and in turn were preyed upon by larger fish and aquatic reptiles. Their streamlined bodies, small conical teeth, and dorsal and ventral scutes made them effective swimmers in the calm lake waters they once inhabited.

The specimen you see pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, featuring a full or partial skeleton preserved in its natural limestone matrix. Over time, the organic material has been replaced by minerals, leaving a lasting imprint of the fish’s skeletal remains. Often, to aid in the visual presentation and protection of the fossil, a subtle brown stain is applied to highlight the contours of the bones and fin structures. This technique enhances the overall aesthetic and allows collectors to appreciate the anatomy of the fish more clearly.

This slab is not only a stunning piece of ancient life but also a scientifically significant glimpse into Eocene freshwater ecosystems. Knightia fossils are excellent educational specimens and popular among collectors due to their historical and geological value.

Item Details:

  • Genus/Species: Knightia alta
  • Fossil Type: Skeletal Fish Remains in Matrix
  • Geological Age: Eocene Epoch (56 – 33.9 million years ago)
  • Formation: Green River Formation
  • Location: United States
  • Size: Refer to image with 1cm scale cube
  • Preparation: Cleaned, prepped, and preserved by hand
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the exact fossil you will receive. The piece has been professionally selected, photographed, and measured for your confidence and clarity. Due to the irregular nature of fossil specimens, size measurements are approximate. Colour variations may occur depending on light sources, camera settings, and display screens. Once sold, this listing will be updated with a new, hand-selected fossil specimen.

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Prepared – Certificate of Authenticity Included – Green River Formation, USA

Additional information

Era

Eocene
Origin

USA

Eocene Information

The Eocene Period (56–33.9 million years ago) was a time of warm global temperatures and the rapid evolution of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The climate was hot and humid, with lush rainforests covering much of the planet, even near the poles. Mammals diversified into new ecological roles, with early primates, whales (like Basilosaurus), large herbivores, and carnivores emerging. Birds and reptiles also thrived, and the first grasses began spreading, setting the stage for later grassland ecosystems. By the late Eocene, the Earth’s climate cooled significantly, leading to the formation of the first Antarctic ice sheets and the eventual transition to the drier, cooler Oligocene Period.

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