Fish Fossil (Knightia) Structure ID

[Dinosnores]

Can anyone identify these structures protruding from the top and bottom of the fish?

[Fossildude19]

Welcome to the Forum. 

 

I believe they are skull elements, likely operculums\suboperculums.

As the fish would decompose, gasses built up inside the fish, usually in the head and guts,

and ultimately, they would "explode", disarticulating the bones and scales from their original  placements.

[snolly50]

Tim is certainly (and typically) correct. Your Knightia became disarticulated after death. The whole of its skull/jaw are now scattered components. Many seek "perfect" fossils and indeed, if a specimen were needed for scientific scrutiny that would be ideal. But the physical layout of the Knightia is well established; so there is no loss in the jumble. I guess ones aesthetic sense is what now would govern the appeal of your piece. I like it. It conveys an account of unknown forces and events. We can only dream of looking so good after 60 million or so years. Enjoy your specimen and welcome to the Forum. Here you will find an intriguing mix of chaos and perfection.

[Rockwood]

Poof ! 

[Fossildude19]