Fossil Guitarfish Rhinobatos hakelensis Upper Cretaceous Haqil, Byblos, Lebanon...

Fossil Guitarfish Rhinobatos hakelensis Upper Cretaceous Haqil, Byblos, Lebanon Known as a "guitar" ray, for obvious reasons, this example of a fossil stingray out of the quarries of Lebanon is rather large and impressive, measuring 13.5 inches (34 cm) from tip to tail. Unlike many fossils from the locality, which are typically left in a natural state and only cleaned, it does appear an amount of work has been performed on this specimen to give it a more complete appearance for its ultimate display. This example of Rhinobatos is inherently elegant and with a dynamic fluid aspect, as the marine creature appears to be in motion, gliding over the rock now representing the ocean floor. A bonus feature of this ancient chondrichthyan is the presence of a tiny, yet highly inflated, fossil fish of the Diplomystus variety on the large and irregular rock on which the fossils were found. The matrix of yellowish-tan coloration displays numerous layers and fractures. The back of the rock is fully stabilized. Dating to the Upper Cretaceous, the fossil plate is rustic and natural, featuring one massive "guitarfish" and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity labeled No. 8131, discussing the specimen in greater detail. Overall Measurements: 19.69 x 11.61 x 0.79 inches (50.00 x 29.50 x 2.00 cm) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved