Fossil Fish. Cyclurus (Amia) kehreri. Eocene . Messel Pit. Darmstadt, Germany. ...

Description

Fossil Fish
Cyclurus (Amia) kehreri
Eocene
Messel Pit
Darmstadt, Germany

Fossils out of the famed Messel Pit in Germany can exhibit excellent preservation but also require being collected and placed in a fiberglass resin to ensure long-term stability. This exceptional example consists of an Amia fish of the Cyclurus variety in a somewhat uneven and rectangularly shaped casing. The fossil fish itself measures over 11 inches (28 cm) in length and exhibits relatively good preservation. Under ultraviolet light, there is evidence of restorative residue but primarily on the de facto matrix rather than the fossil itself. The surface of the piece is complex and textural, with a spot of beige in front of the fish's mouth. The Amia variety is inherently rare and collectible, and any fossil this extremely intriguing and of such quality and size is something really special indeed. Considered the top locality for Paleogene fossils, this once highly productive site was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Like several of the other iconic German paleontological sites, fossils from that country are becoming harder to procure.
Overall Measurements: 16.42 x 8.27 x 0.39 inches (41.70 x 21.00 x 1.00 cm)

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