Exceptionally Detailed Osteolepis Devonian Fish Fossil
Ancient Tetrapod Ancestor

Osteolepis macrolepidotus

Class Sarcopterygi, Infraclass Tetrapodomorpha, Order Osteolepiformes

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Fish fossil is 168 mm in length (tip of nose to tip of tail along backbone) on 230 mm by 105 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Caithness Flagstones, Cruaday Quarry, Caithness, Orkney, Scotland

Fossil Code: UKF89

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 Osteolepis(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 features with incredible detail. The repaired crack does little to detract from this fine specimen. This quarry is now closed, so further material from this particular site will no longer be forthcoming.

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