Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - LAST XMAS ORDERS 22ND DEC

SALE 20%
Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Genuine Eocene Specimen from USA – With Certificate of Authenticity

Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Genuine Eocene Specimen from USA – With Certificate of Authenticity

Original price was: £32.40.Current price is: £25.92.

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authentication

 

Name: Knightia alta

Species: Fish

Specimen: Skeletal Fish Remains in Matrix

Age: Eocene

Location: USA

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 98 x 6 x 72mm (3.86 x 0.24 x 2.83 inches)

 

Knightia is an extinct fish that lived in the fresh water lakes and rivers of North America and Asia during the Eocene epoch, 56 to 33.9 million years ago. They belong to the same taxonomic family as herring and sardines, and likely fed on algae and diatoms, as well as insects and the occasional smaller fish. Knightia fish had heavy scales, small conical teeth, and rows of dorsal and ventral scutes that ran from the back of the head to the medial fins. They were schooling fish and are often preserved as fossils still in their shoals, with some specimens even being preserved on top of each other.

 

These fish are genuine fossils, however, it is usually only the skeletal section of the fish that is left when they are found in the matrix due to the rest decomposing over time. These skeletal remains can be slightly incomplete or not overly recognisable as to the what way the fish is laying etc. so the preparers will paint the piece with a brown stain to give a protective layer, and to help highlight the correct position of the fish, and it is not uncommon for them to paint where the fins etc would have been so to portray what the actual fish would have looked like.

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9892 Category:

Description

This listing features an authentic Knightia alta fossil fish, preserved beautifully within its natural matrix and dating back to the Eocene Epoch (approximately 56 to 33.9 million years ago). This fossil was discovered in the United States and represents a species that once thrived in ancient freshwater lakes and rivers.

Knightia is an extinct genus of ray-finned fish in the family Clupeidae, which also includes modern herring and sardines. These fish lived in massive schools and were a critical food source for larger aquatic and semi-aquatic predators. Knightia were small, typically 10–20 cm in length, and are among the most commonly found fossil fish specimens.

Their bodies featured thick overlapping scales, small conical teeth, and distinct dorsal and ventral scutes (bony plates) running from behind the head to the mid-body fins. Because of their abundance and exceptional preservation, Knightia are an important index fossil for the Eocene, providing crucial insight into prehistoric aquatic ecosystems.

Most often, only the skeletal remains of Knightia survive fossilisation. As such, these fossils are commonly treated with a light brown protective stain to enhance contrast and preserve fine anatomical features. Sometimes, preparators carefully outline where the fins and other structures would have been to give a more complete visual representation of the fish’s form.

This fossil is ideal for educational purposes, collectors of natural history, or as a unique decorative piece. It connects us directly to a rich prehistoric past and stands as a testament to the biodiversity of ancient freshwater environments.

Item Details:

  • Name: Knightia alta
  • Species: Fish
  • Specimen: Skeletal Fish Remains in Matrix
  • Age: Eocene Epoch (56 to 33.9 million years ago)
  • Location: USA
  • Scale Reference: Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to photo for full sizing.
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo. Each fossil is hand-selected and professionally photographed.

Please Note:

  • Some fossils may be gently propped for photography.
  • Colouration may vary depending on lighting and device screen.
  • Measurements are as accurate as possible, though minor variations may occur due to natural irregularities.
  • Once sold, we update the listing with a new specimen and photo.
  • We recommend saving or screenshotting your purchased item’s photo for reference.

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Additional information

Era

Eocene
Origin

USA

Eocene Information

The Eocene Period (56–33.9 million years ago) was a time of warm global temperatures and the rapid evolution of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The climate was hot and humid, with lush rainforests covering much of the planet, even near the poles. Mammals diversified into new ecological roles, with early primates, whales (like Basilosaurus), large herbivores, and carnivores emerging. Birds and reptiles also thrived, and the first grasses began spreading, setting the stage for later grassland ecosystems. By the late Eocene, the Earth’s climate cooled significantly, leading to the formation of the first Antarctic ice sheets and the eventual transition to the drier, cooler Oligocene Period.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products