This is the "Fossil Friday" post #173. Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website. We will post any fossil pictures you send in to [email protected]. Please include a short description or story. Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!
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Today, we have a gorgeous Mazon Creek fish. This is Elonichthys hypsilepus, an Actinopterygii (ray finned) fish. This is a distant relative of common modern day fish.
This beautiful specimen was sent in by ESCONI member Jake Fill. He collected it from Pit 11. It opened a few months ago, with just part of the fish exposed as seen in the first photo. He promptly sent it off for preparation, which resulted in the second photo.
Thanks for sharing this awesome specimen, Jake!
Before prep
After prep
