Pipefish Fossil?

[CarbonTorrent]

Hello, everyone. I went to a local fossil show today and found this fossil. I was told by the seller that it is a pipefish fossil. I believe he also mentioned it is from California in the Monterey Formation, but not entirely sure on that one. It looks somewhat different from pictures of pipefish fossils I have been able to find online. It measures about 5 inches in length. Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

[Top Trilo]

I don't think this is a fish, the anatomy and lack of bones give it a way.

I believe it may be some sort of squid fossil, see image below.

 

I could be way off though so wait for others to respond.

 

Edited November 20, 2021 by Top Trilo

[Fossildude19]

Welcome to the Forum. 

This is actually some species of shrimpfish, like Aeoliscus sp. or Centriscus sp.

Not sure what species are found in the Monterey Formation. 

Neat find. Great fossil. 

Did you actually purchase this?

[CarbonTorrent]

Wow, thank you so much. That is really cool. I did indeed buy it, and I'm glad I did.

[thelivingdead531]

That’s quite lovely. 

[oilshale]

I have not seen any razorfish / shrimpfish (either of the genus Aeoliscus or Centriscus) from the Monterey Formation. I rather suspect that the fish comes from the Pliocene of Fiume Marecchia / Italy and is most likely an Aeoliscus strigatus.

Aeoliscus strigatus (GUENTHER, 1861) - Fishes - The Fossil Forum

Edited November 21, 2021 by oilshale

[RJB]

@oilshale is right on the money.  These used to be fairly common on the internet but Italy closed up their fossil exports like so many other countries did.  Shame

 

RB

[Fossildude19]

8 hours ago, oilshale said:

I have not seen any razorfish / shrimpfish (either of the genus Aeoliscus or Centriscus) from the Monterey Formation. I rather suspect that the fish comes from the Pliocene of Fiume Marecchia / Italy and is most likely an Aeoliscus strigatus.

Aeoliscus strigatus (GUENTHER, 1861) - Fishes - The Fossil Forum

 

 

Thanks for this, Thomas.

I had wondered, (and figured possibly Italy as an origin for this fossil), as I hadn't seen any listed from the Monterey Formation, and the matrix didn't look right for Monterey Formation matrix. I wanted to check the literature I have, though, and having done so, cannot seem to find any shrimpfish listed from there.

Thanks again for chiming in.

 

 

[CarbonTorrent]

I think the seller was mistaken and just thought that it was a pipefish, which do seem to be found quite often in the Monterey formation.