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.

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Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Eocene Era – Genuine Fossil with Certificate – USA Origin – Natural History Collectible
Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Eocene Era – Genuine Fossil with Certificate – USA Origin – Natural History Collectible - Image 2

Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Eocene Era – Genuine Fossil with Certificate – USA Origin – Natural History Collectible

£30.00

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

**Please note: Some fossils maybe propped up for photo purposes**

 

Name: Knightia alta

Species: Fisha

Age: Eocene

Location: USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 84 x 80 x 4mm (3.31 x 3.15 x 0.16 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, and small conical teeth. Rows of dorsal and ventral scutes 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)

Out of stock

SKU: FP9906 Category:

Description

This listing features a genuine Knightia alta fossil fish, preserved in matrix and originating from the Eocene Epoch (approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago), found in the famous fossil beds of the Green River Formation, USA.

Knightia alta was a prehistoric schooling fish that lived in the freshwaters of what is now North America and Asia. A member of the Clupeidae family (herring and sardines), it likely fed on algae, diatoms, small invertebrates, and even tiny fish. These ancient fish were covered in heavy scales, possessed small conical teeth, and were characterised by dorsal and ventral scutes (bony external plates) that extended from the back of the head to the mid-section of the body.

Their fossils are frequently found in shoals, providing a unique insight into their social behaviour and the aquatic ecosystems of the Eocene. Remarkably, some fossil slabs show these fish preserved in groups or layered atop one another—evidence of sudden burial events.

The fossil preparation often includes light brown staining to enhance visibility of the skeletal details, especially in cases where parts of the fish are faint or degraded over time. This technique helps to highlight where anatomical features like fins and spine structures would have been, making them perfect for educational and display purposes.

Item Details:

  • Name: Knightia alta
  • Specimen: Fossil Fish in Matrix
  • Age: Eocene (56–33.9 million years ago)
  • Location: USA (Green River Formation)
  • Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to photo for full sizing.
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The image shows the exact specimen you will receive. Every fossil is hand-selected and professionally photographed to ensure full transparency and accuracy.

Please Note:

  • Some fossils may be gently propped up for photography.
  • Measurements are as accurate as possible but may vary slightly due to natural irregularities.
  • Colours may vary depending on lighting conditions or screen calibration.
  • Once sold, the listing will be updated with a new, similar specimen and new photographs.
  • We recommend saving or screenshotting the product photo upon purchase for your records.

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Additional information

Weight 10 g
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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