16" Fossil Gar Fish (Lepisosteus) From Wyoming - Rare Species

Gars are one of the largest and rarest fish found in the Green River Formation. Lepisosteus was a fierce predator, having a long, narrow mouth full of teeth. They also had large, thick scales which are beautifully preserved in this specimen. This stunning specimen is on the smaller side for the species at 16" in length but is a particularly nice specimen.

It was found in cross-section in two pieces and has been inlaid into the rock for display purposes. There is only a small amount of restoration on this specimen along the repaired crack and at the top of the tail fin. The rock has been backed with wood for stability and the piece is ready to be hung on a wall.

About Fossil Lake

50 million years ago, in the Eocene epoch, these fish thrived in Fossil Lake, which was fed by the Uinta and Rocky Mountain highlands. The anoxic conditions at the bottom of Fossil Lake slowed bacterial decomposition, prevented scavengers from disturbing corpses, and, most interestingly, suffocated creatures that ventured into the oxygen-starved aquatic layer. The result is a miraculous exhibition of Eocene biota: a subtropical aquatic community within sycamore forests, teeming with creatures such as freshwater stingrays, dog-sized horses, menacing alligators, early flying bats, and one of the first primates.

A view of one of the commercial quarries where fossils from the Green River Formation are collected.
A view of one of the commercial quarries where fossils from the Green River Formation are collected.
FOR SALE
$11,500
DETAILS
SPECIES
Lepisosteus
LOCATION
Fossil Lake Safari Quarry, Kemmerer, Wyoming
FORMATION
Green River Formation
SIZE
Fish: 16" long Shale: 31 x 16.5”
CATEGORY
ITEM
#314554
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.