Newly-Described Cretaceous Lebanese Fossil Fish Triplomystus

Triplomystus noorae

Order Ellemmichthyformes, Family Paraclupeidae

Geological Time : Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (93 million years ago)

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch) 80 mm long, 52 mm tall on a 185 mm by 147 mm matrix

Fossil Site : Lebanese Lagerstatt, en-Nammoura, Lebanon

Code: L445

Price: $935.00


Triplomystus noorae fossil fishKnown for its incredibly well-preserved fish and crustaceans, the sublithographic limestone of the Cretaceous of Lebanon also preserved incredible detail here as well in this newly-described taxon known as Triplomystus noorae. The genus was erected in late 2003, one of 6 new genera established at that time. The en-Nammoura location is quite different in its fauna from either Hajoula or Hakel. It is thought to have been slightly younger than either of those locations. Based upon a high level of preserved terrestrial plants, it is further thought to have been closer to land, albeit islands rather than the continental coastline. Fish are far more rare at en-Nammoura, with very few recorded multiple specimens found. The taxon bears some resemblance to the roughly contemporary Diplomystus (which endured until the Eocene). It differs by having 3 series of scutes present on the dorsal surface and postpelvic region.The other fish present on the reverse of this fine plate is probably Gaudryella gaudryi. This is the FIRST example of this taxon I have been able to acquire, and would make a welcome addition to any comprehensive collection of fossil fish.

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