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

Description

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

This Rare Nematonotus Fossil Fish is a beautifully preserved and entirely natural specimen from the world-famous Hjoula Quarry, located in the Keserwan–Jbeil Governorate of Lebanon. Dating to the Cenomanian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous Period (approximately 98–95 million years ago), this fossil represents a window into an ancient tropical marine environment that once lay beneath the waters of the Tethys Ocean.

Each specimen is 100% genuine and natural as found, not enhanced or altered in any way. The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube provided for accurate sizing. All of our fossils come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming their provenance, geological age, and authenticity.

This Nematonotus fossil showcases the exceptional level of preservation for which Lebanese “Fish Bed” fossils are world-renowned, displaying exquisite anatomical detail in both bone structure and fin rays.

Geological and Stratigraphic Context

This fossil originates from the Hjoula Limestone Formation, part of the Cenomanian-aged Upper Cretaceous limestone sequence that forms the iconic fossil “Fish Beds” of Lebanon. These fine-grained micritic limestones were deposited in low-oxygen marine basins within the ancient Tethys Ocean, a vast equatorial sea that stretched between Africa and Eurasia during the Cretaceous.

The anoxic depositional environment prevented scavenging and slowed bacterial decay, allowing delicate marine creatures to become buried intact in soft lime mud. Over millions of years, these sediments lithified into compact limestone, perfectly preserving fish, crustaceans, and other marine life in near life-like detail.

The Hjoula and Hakel quarries are globally renowned for yielding fossil fish, cephalopods, echinoderms, and crustaceans of exceptional quality, rivalled only by the Solnhofen deposits of Germany in terms of preservation and diversity.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ray-finned Fish (Nematonotus)
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Beryciformes
• Family: Nematonotidae
• Geological Stage: Cenomanian (~98–95 million years ago)
• Period: Upper Cretaceous
• Formation: Hjoula Limestone Formation (“Fish Beds”)
• Locality: Hjoula Quarry, Keserwan–Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon

Nematonotus is an extinct genus of deep-bodied beryciform fish that inhabited warm shallow seas during the Late Cretaceous. Its distinctive morphology—featuring a laterally compressed body, strong dorsal fin, and forked tail—suggests a fast, agile swimmer adapted for open marine environments. These fish were likely mid-level predators feeding on small invertebrates and planktonic organisms.

Morphological Features and Preservation

This Nematonotus fossil exhibits superb structural integrity, with fine skeletal detail and lifelike anatomical proportions. The vertebral column, pectoral fins, dorsal fin rays, and caudal fin are all clearly defined within the limestone matrix. The cranial region reveals a well-preserved jawline, orbital cavity, and skull structure typical of Cretaceous beryciform fishes.

The fossil’s dark carbonised remains contrast beautifully against the pale beige to creamy limestone, accentuating its anatomical features. This high-contrast preservation is a hallmark of the Hjoula Formation, produced by the interaction of organic material with calcium carbonate under low-oxygen conditions.

In well-preserved examples, Nematonotus often displays visible fin ray segmentation, a key diagnostic feature that reflects its evolutionary position among advanced teleosts. The slender, elongated form of its dorsal and anal fins provided stability in the water, while its forked caudal fin enabled powerful propulsion.

This specimen, with its natural completeness and fossilised elegance, captures both the beauty and scientific importance of Lebanon’s fossil record.

Geological and Paleoenvironmental Significance

During the Cenomanian Stage, the region that is now Lebanon was submerged beneath the Tethys Ocean, a warm, tropical sea rich in life. The Hjoula and Hakel basins acted as marine “death traps”, where low oxygen levels on the seafloor ensured rapid fossilisation rather than decay.

Fossils from this region—especially Nematonotus—provide critical evidence of marine biodiversity during a time of global environmental change. They record the early diversification of modern fish lineages and help scientists understand how marine ecosystems evolved following earlier extinctions.

The Hjoula Fish Beds are particularly significant because of the exceptional completeness of their fossils, preserving entire communities of fish, crustaceans, and ammonites within a single geological layer. Each slab represents a genuine snapshot of Cretaceous marine life.

Collector and Display Significance

This Rare Nematonotus Fossil Fish from Hjoula Quarry is an outstanding collector’s specimen combining scientific value, historical provenance, and aesthetic beauty. Its natural preservation, delicate anatomy, and striking contrast make it a museum-quality display piece, ideal for collectors, educational exhibits, or anyone with a passion for natural history.

Multi-million-year-old fish fossils from Lebanon are highly sought after due to their rarity and unparalleled detail. Each specimen tells a story of ancient oceans, evolution, and preservation—connecting us directly to life that existed nearly 100 million years ago.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, ethically sourced, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. This Nematonotus fossil is a magnificent relic of the Cenomanian Tethys Ocean, representing a timeless chapter in Earth’s evolutionary history and the enduring beauty of natural preservation.