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CIMOLICHTHYS ASSOCIATED BONES AND VERTEBRAE ON ORIGINAL CHALK SLAB AS FOUND Niobrara Chalk Formation, Kansas, U.S. LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 84 million years ago The very large predatory fish Cimolichthys nepaholica was a formidable terror of the Late Cretaceous seas of the mid-North American continent. Fossil remains from this fish are found in the chalk rock outcroppings but this specimen exhibits an exceptionally fine state of preservation. This remarkable slab was removed with a large portion of articulated bones, vertebrae and fins from a full-grown Cimolichthys. The slab is not a composite or artificial but is 100% genuine chalk formation rock and the matrix is all original with all bones still embedded as found. The bones have not been glued into the slab as is common with many slab and panel mounts. Countless hours were spent removing the top layers and air-blasting the remaining matrix from around the delicate bones to reveal spectacular detail that exceeds what most will ever see in a museum. This amazing creature lived in a shallow prehistoric sea 84 million years ago that once covered what is now the central portion of the United States. This rare associated fossil slab features a large portion of the spinal column along with bony armor skull and body plates as well as ribs and fin elements. All colors are completely natural and the dark mahogany brown hue of the bones stands are beautifully against the light butter cream color of the chalk rock slab. These are 100% genuine and unrestored fossils and have no fabrication work performed. They are exactly as found and have been stabilized for strength to prevent damage. Associated fossils are more valuable and rare compared to random and individual fossil finds of fossils. Our direct relationship with individuals that hunt the region where these fossils are found allows us to be able to offer such a unique specimen to you. Cimolichthys nepaholica is believed to have attained lengths of up to 5 feet and despite their being dangerous predatory fish, they have also been found in the stomachs of even larger fish and marine reptiles that shared the same ocean. The Cimolichthys fish possessed a slender, streamlined body with a shallow and elongated head. Long jaws were lined with very sharp teeth. Large bony armor plates extended down the back from the head to the dorsal fin with smaller plates being found along the lateral line. The tail was very deeply forked and disproportionately large when compared to the body. All of these features indicate that this was one fierce predator of the deep and unquestionably, an extremely swift swimmer most likely able to ambush and overtake any prey. This breath-taking fossil slab comes with our highest recommendation and represents a stunning example of the large and vicious marine life that once inhabited our North American Cretaceous seas. The relief and detail must be seen in person to fully appreciate. The vertebrae protrude from the slab face and the color and fine natural detail to the bony armor plates is nothing short of spectacular. This specimen is rare in this state and represents the first time we have ever offered ANY fossil from this uncommon species. STUNNING!!! HIGHLY RARE AND DISPLAYABLE ARTICULATED BODY OF A DINOSAUR-ERA, LARGE PREDATORY FISH! 22.25" x 10" overall SOLD FG013 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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