Sedenhorstia dayi Fish Fossil

Sedenhorstia dayi

Elopiformes, Megalopidae

Geological Time: Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage (~95 million years ago)

Size: 107 mm in length on a 154 mm by 105 mm matrix

Fossil Site: Lebanese Lagerstatte, Hajoula, Lebanon


Sedenhorstia FossilDescription: This is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a predatory fish known as Sedenhorstia. The genus derives its name from Sedenhorst, Germany, the location of the type species. The genus is little different from the modern-day Magalops, or Tarpon. Indeed, another fish from the late Jurassic is also very similar, demonstrating the primitive nature of these living teleosts, showing them to be something of an evolutionary dead end that has remained little changed for the better part of a quarter billion years. Of course, one might argue that they have been eminently successful for all that time (if it’s not broken, don’t fix it) There is no repair to the specimen or matrix, making for an absolutely stunning display piece.

click to enlarge fossil pictures

 
 

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