What Kind Of Fish Is That???

This fish commerical reminded me of a fossil I collected.

Often we find things in pieces this one was in two pieces. The exposed tail was almost perfect, so one would hope the front would be equally as well preserved.

After uncovering the front portion it was apparent that mother nature caused this portion to explode. Disarticulating the head parts , backbone and body, yet one cn still see the body design.

The tail and the body are joined to make the fossil fish,over twelve inches of the predatory Mioplosus. Beautiful tail scrambled head make for an interesting design  showing the intricate fossilization process.

As winter lingers the fossil fish get bigger

With 6-8 inches of nice fresh snow I thought it would be a good time to look at some of the project fossil fish completed winter 2010-11.

Group picture shows two nice sized Mioplosus,a smaller diver Mioplosus, a nice sized Priscacara and a juvenille Priscacara.It is awesome to find this type of fossil fish , fun to prepare and exciting  to see the finished product.

Each sample is unique! Seldom to you encounter one that is perfect,each has its history and need for some restoration.The goal is to restore to make them look as natural as possible.

It is hard to imagine how the small fry grow up to the adult without being consumed by Fossil Lakes predator,like the Mioplosus.

The Priscacara developed a nice defensive system with the spike fins on their back and bottom,extremely hard to swallow.

Mioplosus

The predatory fish eating Mioplosus is very similar to todays bass, perch and walleye. This fossil fish is often found with small fish skeletons in the stomach area and with fossil fish lodged in it's throat.