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Rare Osteolepis Panderi Fossil Fish Old Red Sandstone Devonian Thurso UK Fossil & Alice Purnell Collection

Rare Osteolepis Panderi Fossil Fish Old Red Sandstone Devonian Thurso UK Fossil & Alice Purnell Collection

£90.00

This listing features a rare and scientifically significant fossil fish, Osteolepis panderi, from the Devonian period (~380 million years old), found in the Old Red Sandstone deposits of Thurso, UK. This exceptional specimen belongs to a group of early lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygians), the evolutionary ancestors of modern tetrapods, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

The Old Red Sandstone of Scotland is world-famous for preserving some of the earliest known vertebrate fossils, making this specimen an important piece for collectors and researchers alike. Osteolepis panderi was a streamlined predator with armored scales, powerful jaws, and paired lobed fins, characteristics that hint at the transition from fish to land-dwelling vertebrates.

Fossil Information:

  • Species: Osteolepis panderi
  • Fossil Type: Fish fossil
  • Geological Formation: Old Red Sandstone
  • Age: Devonian (~380 million years old)
  • Location: Thurso, UK
  • Size: See scale reference in photos
  • Preservation: Clear scale and skeletal details

Key Features:

✔ Rare fossil fish from the Devonian period

✔ An important species in vertebrate evolution

✔ Well-preserved details, including scales and fin impressions

✔ From the famous Old Red Sandstone deposits of Scotland

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 Osteolepis panderi & the Devonian Period:

Osteolepis panderi was a sarcopterygian (lobe-finned fish), a key evolutionary link between aquatic and terrestrial life. Its robust lobed fins contained early structures that would later evolve into the limbs of the first amphibians. Fossils of Osteolepis provide crucial evidence for the transition from fish to land-dwelling vertebrates.

The Devonian period, often called the “Age of Fishes”, was a pivotal time in Earth’s history, when the first tetrapods were beginning to emerge. The Old Red Sandstone is one of the most important fossil-bearing formations of this era, preserving a wealth of information about early vertebrate evolution.

Why Buy From Us?

This Osteolepis panderi 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 an excellent addition to any collection, educational display, or investment in prehistoric history.

A fascinating glimpse into the origins of terrestrial life—own a genuine Devonian-era fossil fish today!

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

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Description

Osteolepis Panderi Fossil Fish

This rare Osteolepis Panderi fossil fish is identified with the Old Red Sandstone and Devonian geological period. It is an appealing piece for fossil collectors, palaeontology enthusiasts and anyone interested in the ancient fish life of the Devonian. The identification and geological context make this specimen a meaningful addition to a collection focused on fossil fish, Devonian life or the historic record of vertebrate evolution.

Geological Context

The Devonian is widely known as an important period in the development of early fish diversity. Often described as the “Age of Fishes”, it saw major evolutionary developments among jawed vertebrates and many distinctive fossil fish groups. Old Red Sandstone deposits are especially significant to collectors because they preserve evidence of ancient freshwater and terrestrial environments associated with Devonian landscapes. This specimen connects that wider geological story with a named fossil fish identification.

Osteolepis Panderi is presented here as a Devonian fossil fish associated with Old Red Sandstone material. Its identification will be of particular interest to collectors who specialise in Devonian fossils, fossil fish, early vertebrates and historically important geological specimens. The specimen is also suitable for educational displays, natural history collections and palaeontology-themed interiors.

Collection and Locality

From the Alice Purnell Collection. The supplied locality information is Thurso, UK, giving the specimen a clear connection to the British fossil-collecting tradition. Thurso and the wider northern Scottish region are of strong interest to collectors of geological material, particularly specimens connected with the Old Red Sandstone and Devonian record.

The specimen can be displayed as part of a fossil fish collection, alongside other Devonian fossils or with geological examples illustrating the history of life. Its named identification and period association provide useful talking points for collectors, students and visitors interested in palaeontology.

Authenticity and Photography

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive.

Full sizing is shown in the photographs. Please review the images carefully for the specimen’s visible form and presentation before purchasing. The photographs are intended to provide the clearest view of the individual fossil being offered and to support accurate assessment of its appearance.

Collector Interest

This Osteolepis Panderi fossil fish offers a distinctive combination of named identification, Devonian age and Old Red Sandstone association. It is well suited to fossil collectors building a specialist display around ancient fish, British geology or Devonian palaeontology. It may also serve as an engaging educational object for discussing fossilisation, geological time and the diversity of early vertebrate life. The Alice Purnell Collection association adds further interest for collectors who value specimens with a documented collection connection.

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