RARE ICONIC FOSSIL ANGEL FISH. ...

Description

RARE ICONIC FOSSIL ANGEL FISH
Mene rhombea
Eocene
Monte Bolca, Verona, Italy
The Monte Bolca lagerstätte in north-eastern Italy is known also as La Pesciara ("the fishbowl") for its extremely well-preserved fossil reef fish; a reputation to which this specimen bears ample witness. The most iconic fossil from Bolca is the Mene rhombea: a planktivore Moonfish related to an Angel fish; the species is highly sought after and is often the highlight of many esteemed collections. The level of detail on this attractive specimen is simply astounding; right down to the perfect three-dimensionality of its incredibly fine dorsal and caudal fin bones and the long slender pelvic fins. Skull, ribs and vertebrae also display superb detail and three-dimensionality, and the warm chocolate brown coloring and enamel-like patination stands in lovely contrast to the gray stone matrix. The Monte Bolca locality has been closed to fossil collecting for over a decade and Italian laws discourage the export of existing specimens; making this superb specimen a highly desirable fossil. The fish itself measures 4 7/8 inches long with an additional 4 inch long pair of trailing fins; it rests perfectly on an irregularly-shaped 14¼ x 14 inch matrix.

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