Anything wrong with this fish?

[fossilguy312]

Hi friends,

 

I'm trying to learn more about Green River fish. Interested to know if anyone sees anything wrong with this fossil (repair, restoration, coloring/painting, composite). The color seems slightly darker to me than the typical Green River fish that I've seen but it's not dark enough for the 18 inch layer fish that I've seen.... so that's part of why I'm curious/asking. Thank your for your insights.

 

 

[Fossildude19]

Definitely has been enhanced with heavy painting. 

Noticeable on the fins, body, ... and outline of the fish. 

Anything that looks light blue has been painted. 

[fossilguy312]

2 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

Definitely has been enhanced with painting. 

Noticeable on the fins, body, ... and outline of the fish. 

 

Yep - that's what I thought... really appreciate your confirmation.

 

Separately, I think it's a shame that people do this to fossils... at least IMO, painted/enhanced green river fish are much less desirable than non-painted.

[Fossildude19]

I agree. 

But some people want something that looks "good" rather than faded or incomplete.  

Also, the "good" looking ones sell better.   

[Bguild]

I agree that this fish is painted. The bones all look good, but the darkened bodies of the fish themselves and most of the fins look stained/painted on.

[FossilDAWG]

Sometimes paint can be removed with acetone.  If you try that (no guarantees it will work) be sure to work in a very well ventilated area.  Also be careful that you don't squirt/pour it too vigorously as you don't want any of the fish to flake off.  Acetone is better than water in that regard as it dries very quickly rather than wetting/softening the rock.

 

Don