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Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Genuine Eocene Fish Fossil from USA – With Certificate of Authenticity

Name: Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Genuine Eocene Fish Fossil from USA – With Certificate of Authenticity
Brand: SilverGeo
SKU: FP9903
Availability: OutOfStock

£30.00

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): 112 x 10 x 73mm (4.41 x 0.39 x 2.87 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)

Out of stock

SKU: FP9903 Category: American Fish

Description

This listing features a genuine Knightia alta fossil fish preserved in matrix, dating back to the Eocene Epoch (56 to 33.9 million years ago). This exceptional specimen originates from the USA and represents an extinct species of freshwater fish that once swam in the ancient rivers and lakes of North America and Asia.

Knightia alta belonged to the Clupeidae family, the same taxonomic family as modern-day herrings and sardines. These fish thrived in freshwater environments, feeding primarily on algae, diatoms, insects, and smaller fish. Characterised by their robust scales, small conical teeth, and rows of dorsal and ventral scutes, Knightia were schooling fish, meaning they often swam in coordinated groups.

Fossil Knightia are among the most commonly found fossil fish due to their abundance in ancient freshwater deposits and their excellent preservation. Entire shoals have been discovered fossilised together, with some even layered on top of each other.

While these fossils are genuine, only the skeletal remains are typically preserved. To enhance visibility and provide a clearer representation of the original fish shape, preparators often apply a protective brown stain. In some cases, outlines of the missing fins and soft tissue are artistically added to reflect the fish’s original appearance. This enhances both protection and display quality.

Whether you’re a seasoned fossil collector, a natural history enthusiast, or searching for a meaningful gift, this specimen is a wonderful and educational piece of Earth’s prehistoric legacy.

Item Details:

Name: Knightia alta
Species: Extinct schooling fish
Specimen: Skeletal Fish Remains in Matrix
Age: Eocene Epoch (56 to 33.9 million years ago)
Location: USA
Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm. See photos for full sizing.
Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shown is of the exact specimen you will receive. Every fossil is hand-selected and photographed to ensure its uniqueness and quality.

Please Note:

Some fossils may be gently propped up for photography.
Colours may vary slightly due to lighting and screen settings.
Measurements are taken as accurately as possible, though irregular shapes may result in minor variations.
Once sold, this listing will be updated with a new specimen and photo.
We recommend saving or screenshotting your item photo for your records.

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

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 Fish Fossil from USA – With Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Additional information

Eocene Information

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