Small Phareodus testisis

This is a small sized Phareodus testis from the Green River formation in Wyoming showing good soft tissue preservation of skin and scales. This fish species is distinguished by its large rear fins on top and bottom and it’s sharp pointed teeth indicating its carnivorous diet. This area was part of the now famous Fossil Lake during the Eocene period and is from the split fish layers located in the mid depth part of the lake that have more of a very dark brown/red color and pronounced definition including the well preserved teeth this species is known for as an apex predator of its time. This specimen is slightly incomplete with part of the tail and top missing and measures 3” long. It is on approximately 11”x7” non trimmed piece of lake bottom silt stone matrix making it very appealing when displayed.
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 Phareodus testisis                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are readily distinguished by its long pectoral fin and large pointed teeth with the testis having a smaller head and smaller teeth. The teeth testify to the fish's likely carnivorous behavior, and so too the scales often found preserved in the stomach or die with a fish still lodged on their mouth (aspiration). In fact, the name means "to have tooth". A member of family Osteoglossidae, it has extant cousins found in Central-South America and Southeast Asia. They were known to group together when young but were solitary hunters as an adult.