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Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Grade A Eocene Freshwater Specimen – USA – Authentic Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Grade A Eocene Freshwater Specimen – USA – Authentic Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity - Image 2

Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Grade A Eocene Freshwater Specimen – USA – Authentic Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity

£31.20

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

 

Name: Knightia alta

Specimen: Fish in Matrix

Age: Eocene

Location: USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm):   96 x 90 x 6mm (3.78 x 3.54 x 0.24 inches)

Premier: Grade ‘A’

 

Cube = 1cm square

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.

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

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: FP9841 Category:

Description

Now available is a beautifully preserved Grade ‘A’ specimen of Knightia alta, an extinct genus of freshwater fish from the Eocene Epoch, dating back approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. This genuine fossil is embedded in its original sedimentary limestone matrix and comes from the Green River Formation of the western United States, one of the most renowned fossil-rich sites in the world.

Geological and Species Information:

  • Scientific Name: Knightia alta
  • Common Name: Fossil Fish
  • Fossil Type: Fish in Matrix
  • Geological Age: Eocene Epoch (56–34 million years ago)
  • Formation: Green River Formation
  • Location: USA (typically Wyoming, Utah, or Colorado)
  • Grade: A – Premier preservation and preparation
  • Scale Cube = 1cm – See photo for actual size

The Green River Formation was once a vast subtropical freshwater lake system with calm, sediment-rich waters—ideal for fossil preservation. These lakebeds captured and fossilised entire ecosystems, giving rise to exquisitely detailed vertebrate fossils like Knightia alta, as well as plants, insects, and other aquatic life.

Knightia alta belongs to the extinct family Clupeidae, related to modern herring and sardines. These fish swam in large schools and played an important role in the food chain, feeding on algae, diatoms, insects, and smaller fish. In turn, they became prey for larger fish, reptiles, and early birds.

Fossil Appearance & Preparation:

This authentic Knightia alta fossil shows the fossilised remains of the fish’s skeleton within its natural limestone slab. While full preservation is rare, the bone structure and body outline remain clear and attractive. To enhance visibility and protect the fossil, a light brown mineral stain has been professionally applied. This practice highlights the key anatomical features and may include subtle artistic enhancements to indicate where fins once were—common in museum-quality preparation.

Each piece is unique and the specimen shown is the exact one you will receive, hand-selected and photographed for clarity and accuracy.

Key Features:

  • 100% genuine Knightia alta fossil from the Eocene
  • Premier Grade ‘A’ specimen with fine skeletal detail
  • Preserved in limestone matrix from a fossil-rich site in the USA
  • Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Professionally prepared and enhanced for visual clarity
  • A perfect specimen for collectors, educational displays, or natural history enthusiasts
  • Scale cube = 1cm – Please see photo for exact sizing
  • Specimen may be propped during photography; dimensions are as accurate as possible
  • Colours may vary slightly due to lighting and display differences

Why Collect Knightia Fossils?

Knightia is Wyoming’s state fossil and one of the most famous fossil fish in the world due to its abundance and beautiful preservation. Its presence in museum displays and fossil collections worldwide reflects its scientific and educational value. Whether you’re an experienced fossil collector, educator, or simply fascinated by Earth’s prehistoric past, Knightia alta offers an accessible yet meaningful piece of ancient life.

Bring home a genuine slice of Earth’s ancient freshwater history with this beautiful Knightia alta fossil—an authentic, Grade A specimen from the age of early mammals, birds, and subtropical lakes.

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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