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Lot 1052
Large Predatory Fish in Nodule
27 May 2010, 13:00 EDT
New YorkUS$20,000 - US$24,000
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Find your local specialistLarge Predatory Fish in Nodule
Calamopleurus cylindricus
Early Cretaceous
Santana Formation, Ceará, Brazil
During the time that the supercontinent of Gondwana was breaking up, and South America was rifting from Africa, this individual swam in what is now known as the Araripe Basin of Brazil. The world-famous Santana Formation was deposited during the Early Cretaceous, more specifically during the Late Aptian to Early Cenomanian, 108-92 million years ago. The unusual fossilization process in these sediments resulted in limestone accretions that formed nodules around dead organisms, sometimes preserving even soft parts of their anatomy. Calamopleurus, one of the seven species originally described by Agassiz in 1841, was an effective predator capable of handling large prey. The present large example displays an impressive set of fang-like conical teeth, beautiful paired fins and well preserved scales. It has been beautifully prepared, giving a spectacular three-dimensional quality within the stone nodule. The ventral-lateral presentation has exposed all of the fins, creating a flying effect. A marvelous acquisition for any serious ichthyology collection. Measures 123 centimeters
Early Cretaceous
Santana Formation, Ceará, Brazil
During the time that the supercontinent of Gondwana was breaking up, and South America was rifting from Africa, this individual swam in what is now known as the Araripe Basin of Brazil. The world-famous Santana Formation was deposited during the Early Cretaceous, more specifically during the Late Aptian to Early Cenomanian, 108-92 million years ago. The unusual fossilization process in these sediments resulted in limestone accretions that formed nodules around dead organisms, sometimes preserving even soft parts of their anatomy. Calamopleurus, one of the seven species originally described by Agassiz in 1841, was an effective predator capable of handling large prey. The present large example displays an impressive set of fang-like conical teeth, beautiful paired fins and well preserved scales. It has been beautifully prepared, giving a spectacular three-dimensional quality within the stone nodule. The ventral-lateral presentation has exposed all of the fins, creating a flying effect. A marvelous acquisition for any serious ichthyology collection. Measures 123 centimeters