Fish Fossil ID

[Slowpoker]

Hello,

I am new to the forum, and wanted to ask for a second opinion on my fish fossil.

I'm great at spotting fake claws,roots and so on, but fish are not something I am interested in.
Any and all opinions will be appreciated.

[Auspex]

Looks like there's a bit of distortion toward the head.

Do you know where from it came?

[Slowpoker]

I believe, since it was bought in the UK, it may be from Britain.

I suppose maybe some of the head may not be exposed or fully prepped...

Edited December 30, 2015 by Slowpoker

[Fossildude19]

This appears to be a Green River Formation Knightia eocaena.

The painted on dorsal fin is typical for fish that are less than complete from there.

Regards,

[Slowpoker]

This appears to be a Green River Formation Knightia eocaena.

The painted on dorsal fin is typical for fish that are less than complete from there.

Regards,

I thank thee for the ID, now that I look at the specimen and the species that you mentioned, they look rather similar.

As for the fin, I will wipe it away along with any other enhancements.

Thank you once again!

[Fossildude19]

No problem. Happy to help.

\

Regards,

[snolly50]

Thank you for posting this interesting piece. Of course, Tim is correct the general form suggests the common Green River Formation fish, Knightia. The fins do appear to be painted embellishments. Indeed, looking at the area where the caudal fin joins the body I believe I'm seeing some carelessly applied paint or stain that overlaps both fossil and matrix.

The matrix does not have the appearance of the most typically seen Green River matrix. However, I have handled some GR material that displayed the black stippling seen here. Unless a more informed view is given, I think the GR and Knightia designations are most apt.

If possible, I would ask the seller the source. They may or may not know. Even a response as vague as "the US" will validate the GR opinion. Lastly, if it were mine, I would take a pin vise/carbide needle to the matrix obscuring the skull. Of course I can't leave well enough alone; it displays fine as is. So be guided by your own tolerance for risk and your curiosity. Good luck, have fun.