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Framed Diplomystus Aspiration (Fish Eating Fish) Fossil - Wyoming
This is a very special piece from the Green River Formation of Wyoming. It is an 18.3" fossil fish (Diplomystus) with another fish (Priscacara) in its mouth. It's rare to see behavior captured this way in the fossil record. Known as an aspiration fossil, it captures a Diplomystus that died trying to swallow its prey. In addition to the fish this specimen contains several coprolites (fossilized fish poo).
Fossil examples of aspirations are extremely rare, and this is a very nice one. It is preserved on shale and framed for easy display.
Fossil examples of aspirations are extremely rare, and this is a very nice one. It is preserved on shale and framed for easy display.
About The 18 Inch Layer Of Fossil Lake
Specimens like this come from the coveted 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation, which produces darker and more detailed fish than the majority on the market. The rock from this layer is much harder and more durable than other layers in the formation, likely due to its initial deposition conditions in deep water. Because of these conditions, fish found in the 18-inch layer can be extracted whole and in excellent condition. This layer is typically collected at night using low-angle light to see the bump in the rock that the fish's backbone creates. They then cut these fish out and take them to a lab where the fish, which may be up to an inch under the surface of the rock, are meticulously extracted under microscope with hand tools.
A view of the 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation at the Lindgren quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming.
Specimens like this come from the coveted 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation, which produces darker and more detailed fish than the majority on the market. The rock from this layer is much harder and more durable than other layers in the formation, likely due to its initial deposition conditions in deep water. Because of these conditions, fish found in the 18-inch layer can be extracted whole and in excellent condition. This layer is typically collected at night using low-angle light to see the bump in the rock that the fish's backbone creates. They then cut these fish out and take them to a lab where the fish, which may be up to an inch under the surface of the rock, are meticulously extracted under microscope with hand tools.
A view of the 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation at the Lindgren quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming.
SPECIES
Diplomystus dentatus, Cockerellites liops
LOCATION
Fossil Safari Quarry, Kemmerer, Wyoming
FORMATION
Green River Formation
SIZE
Diplomystus 18.3", Frame 31.3 x 21.6"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#122638
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