Osteolepis
macrolepidotus
Class Sarcopterygi,
Infraclass Tetrapodomorpha, Superorder Osteolepidida, Order Osteolepiformes,
Family Osteolepidae
Geological
Time: Middle Devonian (385 Million Years Old)
Size (25.4
mm = 1 inch): Fossil fish is 140 mm in length (tip of nose to tip
of tail along backbone) on 160 mm by 85 mm matrix
Fossil Site:
Caithness Flagstones, Cruaday Quarry, Caithness, Orkney, Scotland
Fossil Code:
UKF218
Price: $525.00
 Description:
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 is missing only the top portion of the head. Note the
very fine finnage seen here. This one was professionally prepared
in the United Kingdom. See my other offerings for some exceptionally
fine examples.
Also
see: Paleozoic
Fish Fossils Bear
Gulch Fossils Bear
Gulch Fossil Fish Species |
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