Is this a shrimp fossil?

[Superhedger]

I found this near Kemmerer,  WY, it is simular to shrimp fossils at Fossil Butte visitor center.  What do yall think?

[Superhedger]

Pic

[connorp]

No, it's a fish. Head at the top of the photo.

[Rockwood]

The term exploded fish might apply here. Looks like the gut cavity was breached. 

[digit]

I can see why the curved shape might lead you to think shrimp but the key here is the bones. Shrimps, being crustaceans, have no bones. As mentioned above, it is quite common for these fish to decompose and bloat distorting the normal shape before being buried in sediment and fossilized. Looks like one of the more common sardine-like fishes that can be found in the Green River Formation. Possibly a Knightia.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knightia

 

 

Cheers.

 

-Ken