8 1/2" Predatory Prionolepis (Viper Fish)

This is a beautifully preserved predatory fish from the fossil deposits near Byblos, Lebanon, Prionolepis cataphractus. The detailed preservation on this 8 1/2" fish is very colorful, with great detail on the fins, scales and head. One really cool thing about this fossil, is it's last meal is visible in it's stomach. There is a fish with it's head facing facing backwards, as predatory fish swallowed their prey head first.

There is a couple of repaired cracks in the matrix but no restoration or color enhancement on the fish. We purchase our Lebonese material directly from one of the families that have worked the quarries for generations.

I've including some photos of the quarry in the photo set.