Rare Paddlefish Crossopholis Fossil Fish 42.5" Green River Fm Wyoming WY COA2143

Description

Here is an extremely rare fossil fish, from the world-famous fossil beds of Fossil Lake, Green River Formation, Wyoming. From the Eocene, 52 million years ago.
It is a paddlefish, or Crossopholis Magnicaudatis. It is one of the most rare species to be found at Fossil Lake deposits.
The paddlefish, according to Lance Grande in "The Lost World of Fossil Lake", comprise "less than 0.02 percent of the total fishes excavated from the FBM." (page 111).  That is less than 1 in 5000.  Combine that with the fact that the paddlefish is one of the largest fish found there, and you really have something special.
The skull is always the strongest part of the skeleton because it was made of bone. Behind the skull: "Paddlefishes... lack robust, solid vertebrae of the type found in other bony fishes of the FBM. The axial skeleton (vertebral column) of paddlefishes is composed largely of soft tissues that do not preserve in the fossils."- p. 108.  Which is why, posterior to the skull, you see a less strongly fossilized specimen.
It is inlaid (common with paddlefish) and some parts painted (almost always the case with paddlefish).  It is perfect for someone who wants an actual paddlefish, but not at museum quality prices.
These are from the upper split-fish layer, where most of the paddlefish are found. From this layer, the fish will extract just fine, but many of the original fossil pigments will immediately dry up and flake away, and need to be painted . Especially behind the skull where the fish is softer tissues.
Even a museum paddlefish piece can have about 50% paint restoration on it, and can easily sell for much more than  this specimen. The posterior of the fish is so fragile (no bones) that it is basically impossible to find a beautiful unpainted example. I would be very leery and ask an expert if someone said otherwise.
Museum paddlefish are often painted using a microscope and a very steady hand.  This was painted with a magnifying glass and a steady hand, which is good but not as exacting as a microscope.  So the fins and other areas are not perfect.
It is still a genuine paddlefish, and a very nice one for an extremely reasonable price.  Not to mention that this fish is a very long specimen.
This specimen measures about 42.5" in length. The plate is about 56.7" by 24". This specimen has a particularly long snout or "paddle".  There is a board attached to the entire backside, for sturdiness, and it can take a heavy-duty french cleat.  Please let us know if you want us to send you a french cleat.
The plate weighs 79 pounds. It is a big plate.  The bottom of the plate has a curve in it (see photos).  The crate is about 67" by 29". The crate with the plate inside weighs in the area of 130-140 lbs.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany the order.
If you want to pick up locally, please contact us in Salt Lake City, Utah, a couple days before you come so we can remove it from secure storage.  It will be in a wooden crate.  For shipping, we will have to have your location to give you a quote, please write to us. We did a sample quote to Hartford Conn. and it came to about 0.
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You will receive the exact item described and photographed, unless clearly stated otherwise.
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Damage:   If your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 24 hours of receiving as we will be happy to resolve any issue.  Buyer must contact us within 24 hours of receipt of item to claim damage in shipping.
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