Giant Fossil Fish Wall Plaque

This outstanding fossilised skeleton is that of the ancestral crocodile species Steneosaurus bollensis that lived during the early Jurassic period. The skeleton, complete with armoured plates, has been exquisitely preserved and recovered from the Holzmaden Oil Shale of south Germany. The crocodile was once buried in fine, muddy sediment 195 million years ago at the bottom of the Tethys Ocean, which once existed between Europe and Africa. The calm, deep water provided a rare anoxic (without oxygen) environment, which prevented the skeleton from any significant decomposition before burial. The mud has since been compressed into oil shale, leaving the immense skeleton completely in-tact. This specimen is one of the few skeletons of Steneosaurus bollensis ever to be discovered. We can deduce much about the life of this reptile from the size and perfect preservation of the piece. Similar to present-day crocodiles, we can see that the two front limbs of the Steneosaurus are much shorter than the back two. This indicates that crocodile ancestors were bipedal; indeed, we believe that crocodiles evolved from the same reptile species as the dinosaurs and airborne pterosaurs. Dinosaurs ruled the lands during the late Triassic and early Jurassic. This made terrestrial life increasingly difficult for ancestral crocodiles, as there were many predators and prey was scarce. However, the seas were rich in fish, shellfish, starfish, crabs, squid… You can even see fossil belemnite guards (bullet shells of squid-like organisms) and the beautiful spiral shells of ammonites preserved around the crocodile skeleton...

Ammonites are perhaps the most widely known fossil. These creatures lived in the seas between 240 - 65 million years ago, when they became extinct along with the dinosaurs. This lar...

Oversize and spectacular 19th century Black Forest carved wood trophy wall plaque with a large fish. Beautiful carved border with acanthus leaves. Measur...

This exquisite fossil diptych features one Diplomystus dentatus and four Cockerellites liops (formerly known as Priscacara). These fish are all Eocene era fossils dating back about 50 million years. The ancient fish are forever preserved in a sculptural matrix of fossil-bearing limestone. Each panel in the diptych measures approximately 1 foot x 2.7 feet. The overall width of the diptych will vary depending on exactly how the panels are arranged. Each panel is fully backed with wood and has a built-in French cleat, which allows for an easy installation. Details -Diptych single panel size: 12.63" H x 32.25" W x 1.25" D -Includes a Green River Fossil Company Certificate of Authenticity -Fossil content: (1) Diplomystus dentatus (measuring 13"), (4) Cockerellites liops (3.5" to 4.5") About the work Green River Fossil Company is a world leader in fossil preparation and presentation, specializing in the unique fossil...