Ancient Seas, Near East, Lebanon, Hajoula, Cretaceous Period, ca. 145.5 to 65.5 million years ago. A wonderful and large example of a prehistoric Perionelepis fish with a second fish species, fossilized in a sandstone matrix. A quick look, and one might see only one elongated fish, however there is a second fish positioned along the stomach, with its head pointed toward the larger fish's tail! Is this a final meal for the Perionelepis, or just another fish that fossilized on top? The bodies are somewhat intertwined, so it is hard to say for sure what species this inner fish is. Perionelepis belonged to the Alepisauriformes family of ray-finned fish, known for their streamlined body, narrow mouth, and pointed fins, beautifully preserved here. Both specimens display needle like bones and nice remains of scales and fins! Size: 10.75" L x 0.3" W x 5.125" H (27.3 cm x 0.8 cm x 13 cm)

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Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164002

The stone matrix has been repaired from 3 large pieces. Two break lines run vertically across the tail, fin, and neck of the large fish fossil. Small flake/chip to the body near the tail. Nice orange coloration to the fish. Inventory numbers and label on verso.