Macropomoides orientalis
Order Coelacanthiformes, Family Coelacanthidae
Geological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (95 million years ago)
Size (25.4mm=1 inch): 65 mm in length, 15 mm high on a 98 mm by 70 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Lebanese Lagerstatte, Haqel, Lebanon
Code: L472
Price: Sold
 Fossil
Description: This specimen belongs to a group that has rightly earned
the name “living fossils”, the Coelacanths. Thought to
have expired with the dinosaurs, a Coelacanth was brought to the surface
alive in 1938 off the coast of Madagascar. This one was named Latimeria
in honor of the lady who realized its importance, and called it to
the attention of J.L.B, Smith of South Africa. Due to the heat, the
internal organs were discarded. This specimen led to an intensive
hunt which culminated in a second specimen in 1953. Since then, a
number of them have been caught. Indeed, several examples have been
filmed alive in the wild, and a second concentration in Indonesia
has recently been discovered. This one is somewhat compressed ventro-laterally,
but still is discernible as to its identity. There are 2 partial fish
known as Hemisaurida and numerous small shrimp (the J-shaped items)
as well. This one is fully 20-25% of the cost of a pristine example,
and represents a unique opportunity to own such a rare specimen at
what is truly a bargain price. |
