Supremely Rare Osteolepis Lobe-Finned Devonian Fish

Part and Counterpart Specimen

Osteolepis macrolepidotus

Class Sarcopterygi, Infraclass Tetrapodomorpha, Superorder Osteolepidida, Order Osteolepiformes, Family Osteolepidae

Geological Time: Middle Devonian (385 Million Years Old)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fossil fish is 115 mm in length (tip of nose to tip of tail along backbone) on 140 mm by 105 mm and 150 mm by 110 mm paired matrix

Fossil Site: Sandwick Fish Beds, Cruaday Quarry, Orkney, Scotland

Fossil Code: UKF215

Price: $1395.00


Osteolepis macrolepidotus Fish Fossil Description: The Osteolepiform fish are thought to be the ancestors of the Tetrapoda due to their paired lobed fins being homologous to the limbs, and the choanae (posterior nostril). Osteolepis possessed two rounded dorsal fins placed posteriorly, and a heterocercal tail with a larger lower lobe. They have thick rhombic scalesOsteolepis macrolepidotus Fish Fossil Counterpart covered with a cosmine layer (hence the shine). Here is a unique opportunity to obtain an example of this ancient group of fish thought to have given rise to the Tetrapod bauplan. This wonderful example is preserved in dorsal aspect and shows all the classic the features with incredible detail. There are NO Osteolepis Fossil ArtREPAIRS. What makes this one UNIQUE is the fact that both the part and counterpart are preserved. Typically specimens split in such a way that little is preserved on one side. Indeed, the source has seen only ONE OTHER example in decades of collecting. The positive is the left specimen in the photo of the pair. This one was professionally prepared in the United Kingdom. I was fortunate to secure a group of specimens collected during the 1980s. With the Cruaday Quarry no longer in operation, and declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest there will be little forthcoming in the future, and none likely to be this one’s equal.

Also see: Paleozoic Fish Fossils

Fish Fossil Sales

click to enlarge

Fish Fossil Part

Fish Fossil Counterpart

Fossil Mall Home
l Museum and Rare Fossils l Fossil Dealers l
Fossil Categories:
l Ammonites for Sale l Trilobites for Sale l Fish Fossils for Sale l
l Insect Fossils l Invertebrate Fossils l Plant Fossils l Stromatolites l
l Crinoids and Echinoderms Fossils l Dinosaur Fossils l Fossil Amber l