Bargain, 10.3" Priscacara Serrata - Green River Formation

Bargain, Priscacara Serrata - Green River Formation #84250

This is a bargain specimen of Priscacara serrata from the Green River Formation of Wyoming. It's very large, 10.3" long and remarkably detailed. It was collected from Warfield's Quarry near Kemmerer Wyoming this past summer. There are quite a few repaired cracks in the rock, hence the bargain price.

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.

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