Unprepared Diplomystus Fossil Fish - About 18" Long

This is a large, unprepared Diplomystus collected from the 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation near Kemmerer, Wyoming. It appears to be around 18 inches in length, and is centered on a rectangularly cut 24x18 slab of shale.

The fish from the 18 layer of has a very dark and detailed preservation. They split out entirely under the surface of the rock, typically with only raised relief from the backbone as an indication that there is a fish. This layer is typically collected at night under spotlight, allowing for the shadows from the raised relief to be seen more easily.

While the fish does appear to be complete and articulated, as with all unprepared fossils there are no guarantees. You don't know what will be under the surface. The rock on this particular plate is fairly hard so air scribes are a must to prepare it.

Here is an example of prepared Diplomystus of similar size from the 18 inch layer.

https://www.fossilera.com/fossils/15-25-diplomystus-fish-fossil-wyoming