Rare Ctenothrissa Fossil Fish Cenomanian Upper Cretaceous Hjoula Quarry Lebanon | Genuine Natural Marine Fossil from The Fish Beds with COA

Description

Rare Ctenothrissa Fossil Fish – Cenomanian, Upper Cretaceous, Hjoula Quarry, Lebanon

This Rare Ctenothrissa Fossil Fish is an outstanding, naturally preserved specimen from the Hjoula Quarry, located in the Keserwan–Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon. It originates from the world-famous Fish Beds, dating to the Cenomanian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous Period—approximately 98 to 95 million years ago. This genuine fossil is a striking representation of a Cretaceous marine environment, offering an exceptional glimpse into the evolutionary history of early ray-finned fishes.

Every specimen is 100% genuine and natural as found, without restoration or enhancement. The photo shows the exact fossil you will receive, accompanied by a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its origin, age, and authenticity. This fossil displays exquisite anatomical detail, showcasing the exceptional preservation quality for which the Lebanese Fish Beds are world-renowned.

Geological and Stratigraphic Context

This fossil comes from the Hjoula Limestone Formation, a globally important fossil deposit from the Cenomanian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous. These ancient marine limestones were laid down in calm, low-oxygen basins along the edge of the Tethys Ocean, where fine carbonate muds accumulated undisturbed for millions of years.

The unique environmental conditions of these ancient seabeds—particularly their anoxic (oxygen-poor) waters—prevented the decay of organic material and protected carcasses from scavengers. As a result, even delicate fish and crustaceans were preserved in fine detail, forming one of the most scientifically significant fossil Lagerstätten in the world.

The Hjoula and Hakel quarries of Lebanon are particularly famous for yielding exquisitely preserved fish, plants, and invertebrates in micritic limestone, often with near-complete skeletons and visible scale patterns. These conditions have created some of the most beautiful fossil fish ever discovered, studied by paleontologists since the 19th century.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Bony Fish (Teleost)
• Genus: Ctenothrissa
• Order: Aulopiformes (or possible incertae sedis placement within basal teleosts)
• Family: Ctenothrissidae
• Geological Stage: Cenomanian (~98–95 million years ago)
• Period: Upper Cretaceous
• Formation: Hjoula Limestone Formation (“Fish Beds”)
• Locality: Hjoula Quarry, Keserwan–Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon

Ctenothrissa is a genus of extinct deep-bodied, ray-finned fish that lived in tropical marine environments during the Late Cretaceous. Its fossils are characterised by distinctive ctenoid (comb-like) scales, strong fin rays, and a compact, laterally compressed body shape adapted for maneuvering through coral-rich seas. The genus represents an important lineage in the evolutionary history of modern teleosts.

Morphology and Preservation

This fossil exhibits the characteristic features of Ctenothrissa: a deep, oval-shaped body, well-defined vertebral column, and fine fin ray structures. The ctenoid scales—from which the genus derives its name—are often visible as minute serrated edges along the body’s surface. These overlapping scales provided both flexibility and protection, an early adaptation still seen in modern bony fish.

The pectoral, dorsal, and anal fins are typically preserved in lifelike positions, indicating rapid burial and minimal disturbance post-mortem. The specimen’s dark carbonised body contrasts beautifully with the pale beige to cream limestone matrix, accentuating the anatomical detail. Under close observation, even the delicate cranial bones and jaw structure may be discerned, showing the upturned mouth characteristic of many Cretaceous surface-feeding fish.

Such exceptional preservation is the result of rapid sedimentation and mineral replacement within the fine micritic muds of the Hjoula seabed. Fossils from this locality are celebrated for their natural completeness and the clarity of soft-tissue outlines, making this Ctenothrissa fossil both a scientific treasure and a visually captivating specimen.

Geological and Paleoenvironmental Significance

The Hjoula Fish Beds represent one of the most important fossil deposits from the Cretaceous world, documenting the biodiversity of the Tethys Ocean—a vast equatorial seaway that once connected the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. During the Cenomanian, global sea levels were high, and Lebanon’s shallow marine shelves provided ideal conditions for the flourishing of diverse marine fauna.

Ctenothrissa fossils are key indicators of marine biodiversity during this period, helping scientists understand the radiation of advanced teleosts (modern bony fish). The exceptional preservation of these fossils allows researchers to study early skeletal and scale development in detail, offering rare insight into evolutionary processes more than 90 million years old.

The Fish Beds of Hjoula are known for their paleontological richness, yielding not only fish but also echinoderms, crustaceans, ammonites, and plants—each providing a snapshot of ancient marine ecosystems under anoxic sedimentary conditions.

Collector and Display Significance

This Rare Ctenothrissa Fossil Fish from Hjoula Quarry is both a scientifically valuable and aesthetically beautiful specimen, perfect for display or addition to a professional or private collection. The natural symmetry, crisp definition, and geological authenticity make it a showpiece fossil that represents the pinnacle of Cretaceous marine preservation.

The fossil’s historic provenance from Lebanon’s world-class Fish Beds enhances its value, as these deposits are now highly restricted and increasingly scarce on the open market. Each piece tells a story of evolution, ocean life, and the delicate balance of preservation through geological time.

Every specimen is ethically sourced, 100% genuine, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its age, formation, and locality. This Ctenothrissa fossil stands as a tangible link to the ancient seas of the Cenomanian Tethys Ocean—a remarkable relic of natural history preserved for nearly 100 million years.