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Lot 1039

Superb Skate Specimen

27 May 2010, 13:00 EDT
New York

US$9,500 - US$11,000

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Superb Skate Specimen

Pararaja expansa
Middle Cretaceous, Cenomanian Stage
Hakel / Haqel, Lebanon

Skates, like sharks, possess a cartilaginous, not bony, skeleton. However, skates are distinguished from sharks by the presence of greatly enlarged pectoral fins and the flattened profile of the body. The undulatory pectoral fin motion is diagnostic to this taxon. The upper surface of the body displays the eyes and the spiracles (small holes behind each eye that open to the mouth.) There are no anal fins. The flattened teeth, designed for crushing, indicate that it is carnivorous. Most skate species are live-bearers, though some lay eggs. The present specimen is approximately 95 million years old. Because cartilage does not fossilize as easily as bone, due to its more fragile nature, skate specimens of this quality are uncommon. Measures 22 x 17; Specimen measures 20.25in

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