The Fish Trail, Huge Fossil Fish Plate - 56x30"

This is a huge, mural size fossil fish plate from the Green River Formation on Wyoming. There are 6 highly detailed fish preserved on the 56x30" natural matrix, several of which are lined up like they are following each other. The largest fish on the plate, a giant Diplomystus dentatus is 19" long. There are three smaller Diplomystus, Cockerellites liops and a Knightia eocaena. Each fish is remarkable detailed, with dark preservation and the backbones stand out in high relief on the larger fish.

This museum quality plate was excavated over a decade ago from the 18 inch layer at Warfield's Quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming. Fossil fish from the 18 inch layer split out "ghosted" underneath the surface of the rock. Typically only bumps from the back bone can be seen in faint relief against the surface of the rock. Because of this they typically collect this layer at night using high powered lighting which allow them to better see the shadows from these bumps on the rock. These fish must then be prepared removing all of the matrix from on top of them, a very meticulous and time consuming process. While, like most fish from the 18 inch layer there is some minor touchup restoration work, but the fish have not been painted and are their natural color.

Please contact us prior to purchase about freight shipping options and cost, as the piece including the wooden crate probably weighs around 500 lbs. Shipping will be charged after purchase at an additional cost.