9.7" Fossil Fish (Priscacara) - Green River Formation

Fossil Fish (Priscacara) - Green River Formation #151603

This is a large, 9.7" fossil fish (Pricacara serrata) from the Green River Formation. It was collected from the Lindgren Quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming. This specimen is quite large for the species and has very nice preservation including raised spines. It's on a solid/heavy slab of shale that varies in thickness up to 1.5" thick

Priscacara is an extinct genus of temperate bass that lived during the Eocene. It is an uncommon species in the Green River Formation, representing less than 1 percent of total fish fossils. It is a favorite among fossil collectors, particularly those specimens with all of their dorsal spines pointing upwards. It can occasionally reach impressive sizes in excess of 16 inches in length. Priscacara has a large mouth and impressive array of teeth can often be seen in detail on larger, well-preserved specimens.

Priscacara is more frequently found in shoreline lake deposits and less frequently found in rocks deposited in the center of the lake. Its appearance is very similar to that of Cockerellites, a genus of smaller schooling fish found in large numbers in the mid-lake quarries. Cockerellites maxed out in the 5 to 6-inch range, so specimens larger than that are assumed to be Priscacara. Cockerellites have more dorsal and anal fin rays than Priscacara and a significantly smaller mouth.