Western Europe, Germany, Rhineland-Pfalz, Permian period, ca. 299 to 252.2 million years ago. A rare remarkable fossil of a Paramblypterus duvernoyi, a prehistoric fish from an era preceding the existence of dinosaurs! Notable features include its asymmetrical tail and the fossil's dark, natural hues, which stand in striking contrast against the surrounding stone. The extinct Paramblypterus fish was a primitive osteichthyan (bony fish) and a member of the actinopterygians or ray-finned fish, and possessed some very primitive features, most notably, its shark-like tail with a fleshy upper lobe. Often mistaken for the more common Eocene fish fossils from the Green River Formation in Wyoming, the Paramblypterus fish predates the Eocene period by about 200 million years. To put in perspective just how old Paramblypterus fish are, dinosaurs appeared millions of years after the Permian extinction. Size of stone matrix: 15.75" L x 9" W (40 cm x 22.9 cm); fossil: 5" L (12.7 cm)

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: private Diamond Springs, California, USA collection

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#184113

No repairs or restoration. The back of the plate is reinforced and the surface is sealed for protection.