Unprepared Fossil Fish Plate - 2xPriscara, Knightia

This is a 20x16" slab of shale from the Green River Formation of Wyoming containing three unprepared fossil fish. There are two Priscacara and one other which is probably a large Knightia. One Priscacara appears to be 4-5" long and completely buried on the surface, the other is 5 1/2" long and mostly buried though there is some damage to the exposed head. The third fish is completely buried and is presumably a large Knightia.

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.