Some kind of fish or little snake.....?

curious kat · Apr 11, 2014

.....have had this and was wondering what it "was".....? Thanks...

mamabear · Apr 11, 2014

It looks like fins on the back? What a great find!

Harry Pristis · Apr 11, 2014

Looks like Green River FM (Wyoming) matrix. Don't know what fish this represents, but the common little fish from that Early Eocene locale is Knightia.

ivan salis · Apr 12, 2014

think eel --sort of a fish /snake hybrid .

golden sluice · Apr 12, 2014

Maybe an eel fossil...

sliverofsilver · Apr 12, 2014

maybe the 1st original snakehead ?

Cariboo5 · Apr 12, 2014

To me looks like some form of invertebrate fossil possibly a worm judging by the size....

Harry Pristis · Apr 12, 2014

Green River FM is the bottom of a freshwater, land-locked lake. This could be the fry of a number of different species, but no eels there.

You can see many of these fish on eBay; search for 'fossil fish'. Not all of these Green River fish are preserved on their side like this one. Oh, and worms don't have ribs.

curious kat · Apr 12, 2014

...thanks everyone! I need to say that this was bought (hubby) not found....but was a while back & don't recall what it is? Yes, thought "worm" at first because it's small but like Harry said "no ribs in worms"! The head looks "snakey" and body skinny for fish....but...since Harry knows where the "rock" is from...think he's right about it being some kind of fish thing that was captured in a weird pose. Very nice of you all to help on this.

mamabear · Apr 13, 2014

Ulrich's Fossil Gallery - Quarry Trips My daughter found one at the quarry when she was little. They had a place just for kids. It was a blast & we still have fun talking about it. Someday I will get back there & dig some more.

curious kat · Apr 13, 2014

...that sounds like a good time mamabear! The site is great, wish this little fishy was like one of those recognizable ones...lol Yes, go back & get some to post for us to enjoy!

old digger · Apr 13, 2014

Your fossil looks very much like "Leptolepis sprattiformis''. It seems to be that many of these fish are frozen in the matrix in there agony throes of death.

curious kat · Apr 14, 2014

...

...old digger, you got me on that description of those poor little fish. It does look like that second picture alright, snake head & all! You & Harry solved this one...thank you!