Astephus
antiquus
Class Osteichthyes,
Order Siluriformes, Family Ictaluridae
Geologic
Time: Eocene
Size: Fossil
fish is 5 3/8” in length on a 6” x
6” plate
Fossil Site:
Laney Shale Member of the Green River River Formation, near La Barge,
Wyoming
Description:
This mature adult catfish fossil from the Green River Formation
is exceptionally rare. Statistical data show that genus Astephus
comprised a mere few per cent of the
Lake Gosiute fish population. Their stout dorsal and pectoral spines,
scale less bodies and broad skull easily define Green River catfish.
Ictalurid
species have four pairs of barbels (or whiskers). Catfish are an
ancient order of fish. Appearing in the Cretaceous fossil record
with the dinosaurs, Cretaceous period have been discovered, Order
Siluriformes is a highly diverse group of the ray-finned fishes.
The
Astephus is showing in a right side view. The skull had twisted
over in death and shows ventrally with interior detail. The anal
and tail fins show well, and the left pectoral fin, along with
a spine is visible. The right pectoral fin and a spine are partially
intact. There are two additional unidentified partial fish on
the plate. The fish has a rust color, and rests comfortably on
a mottled oil shale plate.
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