A strong example of a freshwater stingray fossil (Heliobatis radians) from the Green River Formation. Stingrays are relatively rare to find in this region making them highly collectible fossils with limited availability. This is a good example of a male Heliobatis as can be seen by the claspers where the tail meets the body. The specimen shown measures 16.5" with a Knightia eocana measuring 4.5".
We personally handcraft the frame from Black Walnut ready to display in your home or office. The full framed piece measures 19 1/8" x 27".
Species: Heliobatis radians, Knightia eocana
Formation/Age: Green River Formation, Eocene (~50 Million years)
Locality: Kemmerer, Lincoln County, Wyoming, USA
Fossil Lake Information
Fifty million years ago ancient Fossil Lake existed in what is now Southwest Wyoming. Of its estimated maximum extent of 930 square miles, approximately 500 square miles of sediments remain. The 230 square miles across the center of the ancient lake bed contain exceptionally fossiliferous sediments and associated geologic features including deltas, beaches, springs, and rocks from center to near shore environments.
The unusual chemistry of Fossil Lake prevented decay and scavenging of dead organisms, while millimeter thick layers of alternating limestone and organic matter slowly accumulated. The resulting laminated limestones contain the highest concentration of articulated fossil fish in the world. The fish, and other fossilized aquatic organisms, and associated geologic features make Fossil Lake the world's best Paleogene record of a freshwater lake ecosystem.
Since its discovery in the 1870s, more than a million perfectly preserved fossil fish have been recovered. Preserved with the fish in the laminated limestone is a complete ancient aquatic ecosystem: cyanobacteria, plants, insects, crustaceans, amphibians, alligators, turtles, birds and mammals, including the oldest pantolestid (otter-like animal). The subtropical terrestrial ecosystem surrounding the lake is also represented by rare fossils, including a horse, two snakes, lizards, two bat species, birds, and more than 325 types of leaves, seeds, and flowers.
