Rare Prionolepis Fossil Fish Cenomanian Upper Cretaceous Hjoula Quarry Lebanon

Description

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

This Rare Prionolepis Fossil Fish is an exceptional and 100% natural specimen from the world-renowned Hjoula Quarry, located in the Keserwan–Jbeil Governorate of Lebanon. Dated to the Cenomanian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous Period (approximately 98–95 million years ago), this fossil represents one of the most beautifully preserved examples from the ancient Tethys Ocean.

The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its completeness, clarity, and visual appeal. This fossil was naturally preserved in fine-grained limestone, showcasing the delicate anatomy of an ancient predator that once swam in warm tropical seas. Each specimen is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological age, locality, and authenticity.

Geological and Stratigraphic Context

The Hjoula Formation, part of the Upper Cretaceous “Fish Beds” of Lebanon, is one of the most celebrated fossil Lagerstätten in the world. These fine-bedded, pale limestones were deposited during the Cenomanian Stage, a period characterised by high global sea levels and widespread tropical marine environments. The region that is now Lebanon lay submerged beneath the Tethys Ocean, a vast sea that connected ancient Africa and Eurasia.

Sediments accumulated in quiet, low-oxygen marine basins, allowing organic remains to settle undisturbed. The lack of oxygen on the seafloor prevented scavenging and decay, resulting in extraordinary fossil preservation. Over millions of years, these sediments lithified into thin limestone layers that now yield exquisitely detailed fossils of fish, crustaceans, and marine reptiles.

Fossils from the Hjoula and Hakel quarries provide vital insight into Cretaceous marine biodiversity, showcasing species that bridge the gap between early and modern bony fish lineages. The Hjoula Limestone Member, where this Prionolepis specimen was found, is especially valued for its fine micritic texture, which preserves anatomical details in exceptional relief.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

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

Prionolepis was a predatory bony fish known for its elongated body and sharp, recurved teeth adapted for grasping smaller prey. It is a member of the extinct family Dercetidae, closely related to modern lizardfish and barracuda. Fossils of this genus are highly sought after because they showcase transitional anatomical traits between primitive and modern teleosts (bony fish).

Morphological Features and Preservation

This Prionolepis specimen displays exceptional anatomical fidelity, a hallmark of fossils from Hjoula. The skeleton is fully articulated, with the vertebral column, skull, fins, and jaws clearly visible. Its slender, elongated body and narrow head are distinctive features of this genus, while the well-defined fin rays and vertebrae highlight the precision of preservation.

Characteristic features of Prionolepis include:

• A streamlined, torpedo-shaped body ideal for fast swimming.
• A long, pointed snout with rows of fine, backward-curved teeth.
• Large eyes adapted for visual hunting in open marine waters.
• Dorsal and anal fins positioned posteriorly for powerful propulsion.
• A distinct caudal (tail) fin showing symmetry typical of teleost evolution.

The fossil’s natural carbonised coloration contrasts beautifully against the pale limestone matrix, accentuating every skeletal feature. This clarity allows even subtle cranial structures and fin-ray articulations to be appreciated under natural light.

Paleoenvironment and Evolutionary Importance

During the Cenomanian, Lebanon’s coastline lay at the southern edge of the Tethys Ocean, a shallow, tropical sea teeming with life. The warm, stratified waters of the Hjoula basin created the perfect conditions for fossilisation. As oxygen levels decreased in deeper layers, organic decay slowed, and fine sediments encased the remains of fish and invertebrates, producing fossils of museum-grade preservation.

Prionolepis was likely an active predator, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans within these calm, nutrient-rich waters. Its morphology suggests it occupied an important ecological niche within the mid-water column, contributing to the trophic complexity of the Cretaceous marine food web.

The fossil record of Prionolepis helps paleontologists trace the evolutionary development of predatory bony fishes, showing adaptations such as improved jaw mechanics and fin placement that later became hallmarks of modern teleosts.

Collector and Display Significance

This Rare Prionolepis Fossil Fish from the Hjoula Quarry is a remarkable specimen combining scientific value, natural artistry, and historical significance. The fossil’s superb preservation, striking contrast, and aesthetic composition make it an ideal centrepiece for collectors, museums, or educational displays.

The fine detail of its skeleton, preserved in Lebanon’s world-famous “Fish Beds,” reflects not only the biological heritage of the Cretaceous seas but also the delicate geological processes that made such preservation possible. Whether appreciated for its natural beauty or studied for its scientific relevance, this Prionolepis fossil stands as a timeless record of life in the ancient Tethys Ocean.

Every specimen is 100% genuine, ethically sourced, and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming classification, age, and provenance — ensuring that this exquisite fossil fish is both a rare collector’s treasure and a piece of Earth’s evolutionary story preserved in stone.