Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – genuine eocene usa specimen – prehistoric vertebrate – with certificate of authenticity

Name: Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – genuine eocene usa specimen – prehistoric vertebrate – with certificate of authenticity
Brand: SilverGeo
SKU: FP9834
Availability: InStock

£31.20

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: USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 100 x 7 x 59mm (3.94 x 0.28 x 2.32 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.

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9834 Category: American Fish

Description

Offered for sale is a 100% genuine fossil specimen of Knightia alta—an extinct species of fish preserved in fine-grained matrix, originating from the Eocene Epoch (approximately 56 to 34 million years ago) and found in the renowned fossil beds of the Green River Formation, USA.

Geological & Species Information:

Name: Knightia alta
Specimen: Fossilised skeletal fish remains in matrix
Age: Eocene Epoch (56–33.9 million years ago)
Location: USA – typically Wyoming, Utah, or Colorado (Green River Formation)
Taxonomy: Order: Clupeiformes – Family: Clupeidae (herring and sardines)
Scale Cube = 1cm – See photo for full sizing

The Eocene Epoch was a time of tropical climates, flourishing life, and abundant freshwater ecosystems. The Green River Formation, in particular, was home to vast freshwater lakes where fish like Knightia thrived. These fish formed large schools and were a central part of the ancient food web—prey for early crocodiles, birds, and larger fish species.

About Knightia alta – A Prehistoric Schooling Fish:

Knightia alta is an extinct genus of freshwater fish that lived during the Eocene and is a distant relative of modern herring and sardines. Characterised by their heavy scales, small conical teeth, and rows of dorsal and ventral scutes, these fish typically ranged from 3 to 10 inches in length. As schooling fish, they are often found fossilised together—sometimes overlapping—in the fine sediment layers of ancient lakebeds.

These fossils offer important scientific value, helping paleontologists reconstruct the dynamics of prehistoric freshwater ecosystems, evolutionary pathways of fish, and environmental changes during the Paleogene period.

Fossil Preparation & Appearance:

Due to the natural decomposition process over millions of years, it is usually only the skeletal structure that remains visible. To preserve and enhance visibility, a light brown protective stain is sometimes applied. This is a standard and accepted practice that helps highlight key anatomical features such as fin positioning and body outlines. In some cases, preparers may also gently paint faint impressions of where fins would have originally been.

This specific specimen has been carefully hand-selected and professionally photographed. The fossil shown in the image is the exact item you will receive, ensuring total transparency.

Key Features:

Genuine Knightia alta fossil from the Eocene Epoch
Preserved in its original natural matrix
Professionally prepared with subtle enhancement to highlight fossil details
Sourced from the famous Green River Formation, USA
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
Ideal for collectors, educational use, or as a scientific display piece
Scale cube = 1cm – please refer to photo for accurate sizing
Note: Specimens may be lightly propped for photography
Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting and monitor/device settings

Why Collect Knightia Fossils?

Knightia alta is the official state fossil of Wyoming and among the most popular fossil fish for collectors and educators worldwide. These fossils are not only visually compelling but also serve as important indicators of Eocene freshwater environments and evolutionary biology. Whether you’re a seasoned fossil enthusiast, a teacher, or a new collector, this Knightia specimen offers a compelling blend of beauty and scientific importance.

Own a fascinating piece of prehistoric life with this beautifully preserved Knightia alta fossil fish—a snapshot of an ancient lake ecosystem from over 50 million years ago.

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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Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix – genuine eocene usa specimen – prehistoric vertebrate – with certificate of authenticity

Description

Additional information

Eocene Information

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