Palaeospondylus gunni 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 Palaeospondylus gunni fossil, a rare and scientifically fascinating fossil fish preserved within the famous Achanarras Limestone of Achanarras Quarry, Caithness, Scotland, UK.

Dating to the Devonian Period, often called the Age of Fishes, this specimen represents one of the most enigmatic vertebrates ever discovered in the fossil record. The photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive, and full sizing details can be found in the listing images.

This fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a real and carefully selected prehistoric specimen.

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Fossil Species – Palaeospondylus gunni

Palaeospondylus gunni is one of the most mysterious fossil vertebrates known from the Devonian. First discovered in Scotland, it is famous for its unusual anatomy and uncertain evolutionary placement, making it highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike.

This small aquatic creature is characterised by its distinctive skeletal outline, often preserved in fine detail. Notable traits include:

• An elongated body with delicate vertebral structures

• A clearly defined skull region

• Unique morphology unlike most other Devonian fish fossils

Its puzzling combination of features has made it an iconic species in palaeontology, representing a rare window into early vertebrate evolution.

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Geological Context – The Devonian Period (Age of Fishes)

This fossil dates to the Middle Devonian, approximately 385 million years ago, a time when vertebrate life diversified dramatically in freshwater and marine environments.

The Devonian is particularly significant because it marks a key stage in the evolution of early fish, including the origins of many later vertebrate groups. Fossils from this period are prized for documenting one of the most important chapters in Earth’s biological history.

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The Achanarras Limestone – One of Britain’s Most Important Fossil Lagerstätten

The Achanarras Limestone, located in Caithness, is internationally renowned as an exceptionally preserved fossil deposit. It is considered a classic Devonian fossil site because of its finely laminated sediments, which allowed fragile organisms such as Palaeospondylus to fossilise in remarkable detail.

Achanarras Quarry has produced an extraordinary range of Devonian fauna, including:

• Early jawed fish

• Arthropods

• Rare soft-tissue impressions

• Other ancient freshwater vertebrates

The site represents an ancient lake environment with calm, low-oxygen bottom waters, ideal for preservation.

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Depositional Environment & Exceptional Preservation

During the Devonian, Caithness was situated much closer to the equator and hosted large freshwater lakes within the Old Red Sandstone continent. Fine carbonate-rich muds settled on the lake floor, burying organisms rapidly.

Low oxygen conditions prevented scavenging and decay, enabling fossils like this Palaeospondylus specimen to retain delicate anatomical outlines. This type of preservation is uncommon and adds great scientific and collectible value.

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Perfect for Fossil Fish Collectors and Educational Displays

This genuine Devonian fossil is an excellent addition to:

• Fossil fish and vertebrate collections

• Scottish geological heritage displays

• Educational teaching specimens

• Gifts for palaeontology enthusiasts

Few fossils capture the mystery of prehistoric life quite like Palaeospondylus gunni, making this a standout piece for any serious collector.

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Authenticity & Buyer Confidence

• Genuine Palaeospondylus gunni fossil fish

• Devonian, Achanarras Limestone, Caithness, Scotland, UK

• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card

• Photo shows the exact specimen you will receive

• Carefully chosen collectible fossil

Own a rare relic from one of the world’s most celebrated Devonian fossil sites with this remarkable Palaeospondylus gunni specimen from ancient Scotland’s Age of Fishes.