Is there any paint on this fish?

[Bone guy]

Howdy. I was considering this fish, but I can't tell if it's "enhanced" or not. Also, since I'm new to collecting, how can you tell if there's paint present?

[snolly50]

A 10X loupe will easily reveal paint mischief. It is impossible to determine from a photo; but the species diagnostic, ribbon-like, anal fin of this critter appears painted.* The uniform, brown body color may also be a clue. Of course, in hand, under magnification is the way to be sure.

 

* The rays appear too robust.

[izak_]

I would say yes there definitely is. Looks like a layer over the whole fish and also these:

[Fossildude19]

+1 for poor paint job.   

 

 

Much nicer ones out there for a bit more.  

 

 

[Bone guy]

Yeah I figured this was painted. It's a shame because this guy was 8.5 inches long! Oh well, there will be more.

[Seguidora-de-Isis]

  "God creates Dinosaurs, God destroys Dinosaurs. God creates Man, man destroys God."

 

Dr. Ian Malcolm - Movie Jurassic Park I - 1993

 

 

But what Dr. Ian Malcolm forgot to say is that man is also capable of destroying fossils!

 

 

Was Michael Crichton right? Will the woman inherit the earth?

[Aurelius]

You can remove paint, of course, with acetone. Though I suppose it depends what it's covering.

[Fossildude19]

7 hours ago, Aurelius said:

You can remove paint, of course, with acetone. Though I suppose it depends what it's covering.

Usually, these are painted because the preservation is rather poor, and many times most of the fish is not visible.

Without the paint, it wouldn't sell for much, if at all.  They make these fish appear complete, to increase the likelyhood of being purchased, and upping the price a bit.

Most people don't even realize that they are painted.   

[RJB]

Having prepped out so many fish in the past, it is easy for me to see all the paint on this fish.  It is literally everywhere!!!  Head, fins, body. 

 

RB

[Crazyhen]

My 8-Year old son might have painted it better 

[caldigger]

Had they not painted that terrible anal fin so ridged and straight, it wouldn't have been so bad. But in my opinion they should have left it alone.

[Pemphix]

+1 for being painted.

Unfortunately not so rare with this location....