Mesacanthus peachi Fossil Fish Devonian Achanarras Limestone Caithness Scotland UK Genuine Specimen with Certificate

Genuine Devonian Fossil Fish from Achanarras Quarry, Scotland

Offered here is a genuine Mesacanthus peachi fossil fish specimen, preserved within the famous Achanarras Limestone of Achanarras Quarry, Caithness, Scotland, UK. Dating back to the Devonian Period, this remarkable fossil comes from the celebrated “Age of Fishes,” a time when early vertebrates diversified dramatically in Earth’s ancient waters.

This is a carefully chosen collector’s piece, and the photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive. Full sizing details are available in the listing images.

Your specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine prehistoric fossil.

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Fossil Species – Mesacanthus peachi

Mesacanthus peachi is an extinct early jawed fish belonging to the group of spiny sharks known as Acanthodians. These fish are particularly important in evolutionary history as they represent an early branch of vertebrates showing characteristics of both sharks and bony fish.

Mesacanthus is recognised for its streamlined form and distinctive fin spines, which give acanthodian fish their common name. Fossil specimens from Achanarras often preserve fine anatomical detail, making them highly collectible and scientifically valuable.

Typical traits associated with Mesacanthus fossils include:

• A slender, fish-like body outline

• Prominent fin spines supporting the fins

• Early jawed vertebrate morphology

• Compact size, ideal for display and study

This species provides an exceptional glimpse into the early evolution of jawed fishes during the Devonian.

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Geological Age – The Devonian “Age of Fishes”

This fossil dates to the Middle Devonian, approximately 385 million years ago, a pivotal chapter in Earth’s history when aquatic vertebrates flourished.

The Devonian seas and lakes supported a wide range of early fish groups, including armored placoderms, primitive sharks, and acanthodians like Mesacanthus. Fossils from this period are key to understanding the origins of modern vertebrate life.

Owning a Devonian fossil fish is like holding a direct relic from one of the most important evolutionary radiations in Earth’s past.

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The Achanarras Limestone – World-Class Fossil Preservation

The Achanarras Limestone of Caithness is internationally regarded as one of Britain’s most important Devonian fossil deposits. It is famous for producing beautifully preserved fossil fish, often retaining delicate skeletal outlines due to the exceptional sedimentary conditions.

Achanarras Quarry represents an ancient freshwater lake environment within the Old Red Sandstone continent. Calm waters and fine-grained carbonate sediments allowed even fragile organisms to fossilise in remarkable detail.

Other fossils commonly associated with this deposit include:

• Early jawed fish

• Arthropods

• Rare vertebrate remains

• Lake ecosystem fauna

This makes the locality highly respected among palaeontologists and collectors.

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Depositional Environment & Fossil Formation

During the Devonian, Caithness lay much nearer the equator, with warm climates supporting extensive lake systems. Fine muds settled at the lake bottom, rapidly burying organisms.

Low oxygen levels prevented scavenging and decay, enabling Mesacanthus specimens to fossilise with outstanding preservation. Over millions of years, mineral replacement turned the remains into lasting limestone fossils.

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Ideal for Collectors, Education, and Display

This Mesacanthus peachi fossil is perfect for:

• Fossil fish and early vertebrate collections

• Scottish palaeontology and geology displays

• Educational teaching specimens

• Unique gifts for fossil enthusiasts

Its combination of evolutionary importance, rarity, and historic Scottish locality makes it an exceptional collectible.

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Authenticity & Buyer Confidence

• Genuine Mesacanthus peachi fossil fish

• Devonian, Achanarras Limestone, Caithness, Scotland, UK

• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card

• Photo shows the exact specimen you will receive

• Carefully selected collector-quality fossil

Add a real piece of the Devonian Age of Fishes to your collection with this remarkable Mesacanthus peachi specimen from Achanarras Quarry.