Fossil Gar Fish Lepisosteus simplex Eocene Green River Formation...

Fossil Gar Fish Lepisosteus simplex Eocene Green River Formation Wyoming, USA One of the more uncommon and thus highly prized varieties of fossil fish out of the renowned Green River Formation of Wyoming is gar. Expertly prepared and in a rectangular yellowish-tan sedimentary piece of matrix, the Lepisosteus here measures an impressive 21 inches (53 cm) in length. While there has been considerable expert restoration on this fossil, a high percentage of original material is visible with outstanding preservation of the iconic ganoid scales, and the skull structure is quite complete but has been compressed as part of the fossilization process. The underlying rock has evidence of multiple sealed fractures under ultraviolet light but is in excellent overall condition, with the varves associated with the Lagerstätte readily visible, adding a subtle dimensionality to the large brick housing the fossil. Dating to the Eocene Epoch, this rather massive gar once enjoyed the waters of this trio of freshwater lakes that have produced numerous incredible examples of the various varieties that once inhabited a place in the food chain of the aquatic environment. The gar is a light brown hue in contrast to the rock. Overall Measurements: 29.53 x 18.31 x 0.79 inches (75.00 x 46.50 x 2.00 cm) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved