Cyclobatis major
Geological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage
Size: mm (25.4mm=1 inch): 89 mm across and 176 mm in length on 217 mm by 117 mm matrix.
Code: L163
Price: $1095 - sold
 Description:
This plate offers an opportunity to see a rare example of the skate
Cyclobatis major, showing the typical circular body form for this
bottom dweller. At 89 mm across and 176 mm in length, it is an exceptionally
large example of the species. The degree of preservation shown here
is exceptional; cartilage is only poorly preserved under any circumstances.
Rays are one of the most highly-prized members of the much younger
Green River Formation of the Eocene of Wyoming; a fine example such
as this much older genus is even more rare. The Cyclobatidae became
extinct during the Cretaceous, but are though to be distant relatives
of modern-day skates (Family Rajidae). |
