Exceptionally-Detailed Osteolepis Museum Fish Fossil
Ancient Tetrapod Ancestor

Osteolepis macrolepidotus

Class Sarcopterygii, Subclass Tetrapodomorpha, Superorder Osteolepiformes

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fish fossil is 161 mm in length (tip of nose to tip of tail along backbone) on 180 mm by 110 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Old Red Sandstone, Sandwick Fish Beds, Quoyloo Quarry, Orkney, Scotland

Code: UKF118

Price: $575.00 - sold

Osteolepis macrolepidotusDescription: 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 scales 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 shows all the classic the features with incredible detail. The repaired crack does little to detract from this fine specimen.

Also see: Paleozoic Fish Fossils

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