Rarissime raie-guitare fossile (positif et négatif)

Extremely Rare Fossil Guitarfish--Postive/Negative
Rombopterygia, (Cappetta, 1980)
Upper cretaceous, 100 million years
Hgula, Byblos, Lebanon
The specie of Rombopterygia is one of the rarest species of Stingrays found in the Lebanese sites. The present specimen, in particular, is even rarer: it is relatively large compared to others from the same species and was found in both positive-and-negative which resulted from the fortuitous positioning of the fossil on a natural cleavage plane of the sedimentary stone in which it was formed. When the stone is split, the fossil separates, providing a view of two mirror halves of the specimen. In excellent state of preservation, this fossil is in virtually the same condition as when it came out of the ground, as fossils from this Lebanese quarry rarely need restoration.

One of the world's richest assemblages of ancient flora and fauna can be found in the ancient land of what we now know as Lebanon. From the fossil deposits at Haqil, Hgula, En Nammoura and Sahel Alma over 600 species of fish, octopus, crustaceans, sea urchins, worms, insects, plants, and even turtles and other reptiles have been found and described. The earliest written scientific descriptions of the fossil fish from this area date back to 1708 – and scientists have flocked to the region ever since. Measuring 36 x 35 x 3 cm and 35 x 34 x 3 cm (2)

Features: Representing disc rhombic-shaped family, only slightly broader than long, tail squat and about as long as disc. Pectoral fins, discoid, laterally expanded with an anterior rectilinear edge. All loops are of small sizes.

Recent relatives: None. This specie is only found in Hgula.

The specie of Rombopterygia is one of the rarest species of Stingrays found in the Lebanese sites. This specimen in particular is even rarer: It is relatively large compared to others from the same specie, was found in double, and both sides enjoy a phenomenal conservation.