Fossil Fish Multiple in Limestone Matrix

Genus: Knightia, Species: alta

Formation: Green River Formation, Thompson Quarry, Lincoln County, Wyoming

Age: Eocene Epoch, Cenozoic Period, 50 million years ago

Matrix Size: 9” by 10”, Fish lengths: 5” and 4 1/2”

This is an uncommon pair of extinct herring ancestors along with a little fish coprolite found in the same plate. Attached to the back is piece of matrix to make the specimen free-standing. The fish have been sealed with a clear preservative but their color has not been enhanced.

If you wish to see the fossil fish bearing layers of strata in their native environment, check out Fossil Butte National Monument, Wyoming. Or, if you want to go and dig your own fossil fish, check out Fossil Safari, Kemmerer, Wyoming. I dug fish at this quarry for 12 years, had great success and hope to go back there soon.