Fossil Fish Skull. Xiphanctinus audax. Cretaceous. Niobrara Formation. Kansas, USA. ...

Description

Fossil Fish Skull
Xiphanctinus audax
Cretaceous
Niobrara Formation
Kansas, USA

The largest bony fish of the Cretaceous, Xiphactinus was an impressive monster patrolling the famous Western Interior Seaway millions of years ago. An apex predator of the huge inland sea that once split the current United States nearly in half, the variety resembled a modern tarpon, although not a direct ancestor of that fish. Reaching lengths of 15 to 20 feet and weighing up to 1,000 pounds, these aquatic beasts were really something. This specimen contains the entire skull with some post-cranial material. The teeth are well-preserved with glossy enamel visible on the largest fangs and in fine condition with the exception of a smaller piece missing from the tip of the second fang. The bone is dense and solid, with a chocolate brown aspect characteristic of the formation. Due to the nature of the matrix, and is commonplace for the locality, this piece has been remounted on plaster in order to support the bone and enhance the contrast to accentuate the orbital fenestra of the eye for a maximum visual impact.
Overall Measurements: 19.69 x 14.96 x 2.36 inches (50.00 x 38.00 x 6.00 cm)

Provenance: The Property from an East Coast Collection

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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