Osteolepis?

[bcfossilcollector]

Hi. I have absolutely no information on this particular specimen. It was picked out of a group of fossil fish most of which were Eocene in age. I suspect it might be Osteolepis but really I have no idea!  Any observations would be most appreciated. Thanks. 

[bcfossilcollector]

I realize Osteolepis is Devonian in age. This specimen just stood out. 

[Huntonia]

I'm afraid I can't help ID it but that's a really cool fish! 

Perhaps @Fossildude19 or @Misha would know.

[Fossildude19]

No idea where it is from?  That information would be needed. If from China, it could be Eocene.

No fins, ventro-dorsally compressed,  and I can't make out caudal fin or skull.

Would be awfully small for Osteolepis.

[bcfossilcollector]

I wish I had more information. I know it’s really difficult without at least a locale. Thanks @Fossildude19

[bcfossilcollector]

Specimen is about 3 inch’s in length. Forgot to mention that. 

[Fossildude19]

So, 3 inches is actually not too small for Osteolepis. They average 15 cm. (5 inches).

The head looks a bit odd, as it appears quite large, but, that could be due to a number of reasons.

It could be the skull is slightly disarticulated, and stretched out a bit due to that.

It could also be that the entire body is not there. I don't think that this is the case, but hard to say for sure.

The size of the scales is consistent with a narrowing down to a tail.

 

 

 

 

Compare with this photo of an Osteolepis :

 

 

 

So my conclusion is - Osteolepis? Maybe. If so, it isn't Eocene.

My vote: whatever it is, probably ISN'T Eocene in age.

[RJB]

Cool fish!

 

RB

[bcfossilcollector]

Great information. Thanks @Fossildude19

[Tidgy's Dad]

Nice fishy.