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Rare: mesacanthus mitchelli fossil fish – devonian, old red sandstone, thurso, uk

Rare: mesacanthus mitchelli fossil fish – devonian, old red sandstone, thurso, uk

£132.00

This listing offers an exceptionally rare Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil fish, an early acanthodian species from the Devonian Period (~400 million years ago). Sourced from the famous Old Red Sandstone deposits in Thurso, Scotland, this specimen represents a significant stage in vertebrate evolution, bridging the gap between bony and cartilaginous fish.

Fossil Information:

  • Species: Mesacanthus mitchelli
  • Common Name: Primitive spiny shark
  • Fossil Type: Fish fossil
  • Geological Formation: Old Red Sandstone
  • Age: Approximately 400 million years old
  • Location: Thurso, Scotland, UK
  • Size: See scale reference in photos
  • Preservation: Well-defined details of body shape and fin structure

Key Features:

✔ Authentic Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil from the Devonian

✔ Well-preserved, showcasing delicate body and fin details

✔ An ancient species that sheds light on early vertebrate evolution

✔ Highly sought-after specimen for collectors, researchers, and educators

Authenticity & Certification:

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen shown in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

About Mesacanthus mitchelli & Its Importance:

Mesacanthus mitchelli is an early acanthodian fish from the Devonian Period, often referred to as a spiny shark due to its primitive characteristics linking cartilaginous and bony fish. These small, fast-swimming fish had defensive spines on their fins and are among the earliest jawed vertebrates, playing a crucial role in the evolutionary history of fish.

The Old Red Sandstone formation in Scotland is world-famous for preserving Devonian fish fossils in stunning detail. The rich fossil beds from this period document the transition of life from water to land and provide key insights into ancient marine ecosystems.

Why Buy From Us?

This Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest and most respected fossil collections in the world. We specialise in high-quality, museum-grade fossils, ensuring this specimen is a valuable addition to any collection, educational display, or investment in natural history.

A stunning and rare fossil specimen—own a genuine Devonian-era Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil from Scotland today!

(Actual as seen)

Out of stock

SKU: AF0383 Category:

Description

This listing offers an exceptionally rare Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil fish, an early acanthodian species from the Devonian Period (~400 million years ago). Sourced from the famous Old Red Sandstone deposits in Thurso, Scotland, this specimen represents a significant stage in vertebrate evolution, bridging the gap between bony and cartilaginous fish.

Fossil Information:

  • Species: Mesacanthus mitchelli
  • Common Name: Primitive spiny shark
  • Fossil Type: Fish fossil
  • Geological Formation: Old Red Sandstone
  • Age: Approximately 400 million years old
  • Location: Thurso, Scotland, UK
  • Size: See scale reference in photos
  • Preservation: Well-defined details of body shape and fin structure

Key Features:

✔ Authentic Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil from the Devonian

✔ Well-preserved, showcasing delicate body and fin details

✔ An ancient species that sheds light on early vertebrate evolution

✔ Highly sought-after specimen for collectors, researchers, and educators

Authenticity & Certification:

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen shown in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

About Mesacanthus mitchelli & Its Importance:

Mesacanthus mitchelli is an early acanthodian fish from the Devonian Period, often referred to as a spiny shark due to its primitive characteristics linking cartilaginous and bony fish. These small, fast-swimming fish had defensive spines on their fins and are among the earliest jawed vertebrates, playing a crucial role in the evolutionary history of fish.

The Old Red Sandstone formation in Scotland is world-famous for preserving Devonian fish fossils in stunning detail. The rich fossil beds from this period document the transition of life from water to land and provide key insights into ancient marine ecosystems.

Why Buy From Us?

This Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest and most respected fossil collections in the world. We specialise in high-quality, museum-grade fossils, ensuring this specimen is a valuable addition to any collection, educational display, or investment in natural history.

A stunning and rare fossil specimen—own a genuine Devonian-era Mesacanthus mitchelli fossil from Scotland today!

Additional information

Era

Devonian
Origin

United Kingdom

Devonian Information

The Devonian Period (419–359 million years ago), known as the "Age of Fishes," was a time of major evolutionary advances in both marine and terrestrial life. The oceans were dominated by armored placoderm fish, early sharks, and lobe-finned fish like Tiktaalik, which had features that helped vertebrates transition to land. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites became more diverse. On land, the first forests appeared, with early trees like Archaeopteris, leading to a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate cooling. The first tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) began evolving from fish, marking a critical step in the evolution of amphibians. The period ended with the Devonian extinction, likely caused by ocean anoxia and climate shifts, wiping out many marine species and reshaping ecosystems.

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