Description: This plate offers an opportunity to see an example of preservation for a cartilaginous fish. This skate is a fine member of the genus Cyclobatis showing the typical circular body form for this bottom dweller. The degree of preservation shown here is exceptional; cartilage is only poorly preserved under any circumstances. The Cyclobatidae became extinct during the Cretaceous, but are thought to be distant relatives of modern-day skates (Family Rajidae). This is a very affordable example of the taxon; skates and rays are highly prized by collectors around the world due to their unusual morphology. There are repaired matrix cracks which do little to detract from the exceptional preservation seen here. Unlike some from the region, this specimen has NO restoration.