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Product Description
ITEM #
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FG007
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ID
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Siemensichthys sp.
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FOUND
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Plattenkalk - Painten, Germany
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AGE
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JURASSIC: 160 million years ago
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SIZE
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17.5" x 10.75" overall, fish 10.25" long
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CONDITION
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SLAB IS UNBROKEN AND REINFORCED ON
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NOTE
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EXTREMELY RARE SPECIES - THE ONLY EXAMPLE
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STAND INCLUDED - Actual Item - One Only
Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet |
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Without a doubt, this specimen will likely be one of the finest and rarest fossil fish we will ever offer. It is of a RARE species of Jurassic predatory bony fish called Siemensichthys. As of this listing, we know of no other specimen of this recent discovery available on the public market. Our extensive and continual presence in Germany is rewarded by the ability to offer such a rare specimen such as this one. Even with the rare species aside, this fossil possesses a long list of traits that are almost never found in a single specimen. The color, preservation, intactness and articulation is without equal of most specimens of any creature we have ever encountered from the lithographic limestones of South Germany - known for the finest Jurassic vertebrate fossils in the world! It is safe to say that you will be hard-pressed to locate any Jurassic fossil fish that will ever approach the state of preservation and detail that this beautiful example possesses. Typical for Painten lithographic limestone fossils, this specimen offers stunning dark gold contrast of the fossil with respect to the bright cream limestone matrix in which it is preserved on. It is important to first emphasize that ALL the detail you see across the entire fish IS GENUINE unlike the plethora of fish fossils from the United States (Green River) and Lebanon where much of the "fossil" is painted on the rock by skilled artisans. Most noteworthy is the overall heavy mineralization of the body parts including tail, fins, scales and a complete head! You could not ask for a nicer example of this species - AND MORE RARE FOR ITS PROVENANCE FROM PAINTEN!
Examine the close-up images. Siemensichthys is known for its thick enameloid skull bones and primitive ganoid scales (rhomboid, interlocking peg-and-socket scales of ancient origin). These unique features are perfectly preserved and displayed in this specimen in the highest and finest manner shown in the close-up images above! The close-up images show the finest possible state with zero fabrication to any part.
This specimen's exceptional detail can be attributed to the meticulous MANUAL HAND PREPARATION in the manner that museum fossils were prepared a hundred years ago. Since no air abrasives or blasters were used, the entire surface of the surrounding limestone is in a beautiful and very natural state - aesthetic beyond measure! The original limestone slab has been reinforced on the back with another slab from the same region for an overall thickness that is substantial affording not only excellent protection against breakage, but also creating a highly impressive aesthetic to the piece.
As a species of very recent discovery, not much information is published currently about Siemensichthys with research ongoing. This species is ONLY found in the layers at Painten, not Solnhofen nor Eichstatt. We can compare this rarity through, to a close cousin, Pholidophorus. Pholidophorids (meaning 'scale bearer') have unique and primitive features that separate them from modern bony fish. These features include a skull made up of thick enameloid bones and ganoid scales which are rhomboid in shape and have a peg and a socket that interlock and articulate with each other like body armor. The upper jaw could move as in modern teleosts. Also like teleosts (bony fishes), Pholidophorids had a spinal column made up of hollow bony vertebrae with spines and ribs attached. They were swift predatory fish that were capable of fast attacks and maneuvers. The Siemensichthys has a broader and larger tail than Pholidophorus with slightly different scales, as well.
Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Jurassic lithographic limestone deposits of southern Germany are legendary. Quarries in the region are privately held and mostly worked by hand on a small scale. The finest grade fossils are few and far between and much rock must be split to locate them. The best fossils are most often kept by the quarry owners who themselves, are often collectors. Some quarries are operated on a large scale but these are now dug with machinery instead of manual labor. Because of this the rock is damaged and along with it, the rare fossils. What all this means today is that even fewer fine grade Solnhofen fossils are found and when they are, rarely do the best pieces make it to market. Occasionally, an old private collection surfaces and specimens are sold or traded. This is where the rare opportunity comes along to acquire a specimen on a level that truly is a prize find. Typically, the older material is often the best as it was collected when the deposits were first being worked and quality was in greater abundance.
SPECIAL NOTE: We have noticed an increasing occurrence of undisclosed work in heavily restored and modified examples in the marketplace and auctions of many Solnhofen fossils. It is becoming commonplace to take a smooth slab of Solnhofen quarry limestone and assemble, carve and/or paint parts or entire creatures where no fossil existed. Restoration is OK if it is disclosed but much of this work is not disclosed, either out of deception or ignorance of the dealer. When purchasing fossils, it is important to only deal with extremely knowledgeable sellers who have experience in fossil preparation as well as restoration and repair so they are capable of identifying what work has been performed to the fossils they offer and disclose this work to their customers. Sadly, a great deal of bad material is being sold as good to unsuspecting buyers. The staff at Paleo Direct operates several paleontological preparation labs and is experienced in the full realm of fossil preparation, repair and restoration.
