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Rarity: Double Matrix Plate of Berybolcensis leptacanthus
This extraordinary showpiece originates from the world-famous Monte Bolca near Verona, Italy. This historic limestone matrix features two fossil specimens of the species Berybolcensis leptacanthus.
Species Facts: A Fossil Hunter of the Lagoon
Berybolcensis leptacanthus is a fascinating representative of the order Beryciformes. As a direct ancestor of modern soldierfish and squirrelfish (Holocentridae), it provides a unique window into the evolution of modern coral reef fish.
Monte Bolca, specifically the Pesciara ("fish quarry") site, is considered one of the most significant fossil Lagerstätten in the world. The oxygen-poor conditions at the bottom of the prehistoric lagoon ensured the excellent preservation of skeletons, often revealing the finest details of scale structures.
Rarity and Market Availability
Today, the area is under strict protection by the Italian state. New finds are practically inaccessible for private trade. Specimens like this one, originating from historic collections with a 100-year-old preparation style, are highly sought-after collector's items of museum quality.
Object Details:
This extraordinary showpiece originates from the world-famous Monte Bolca near Verona, Italy. This historic limestone matrix features two fossil specimens of the species Berybolcensis leptacanthus.
Species Facts: A Fossil Hunter of the Lagoon
Berybolcensis leptacanthus is a fascinating representative of the order Beryciformes. As a direct ancestor of modern soldierfish and squirrelfish (Holocentridae), it provides a unique window into the evolution of modern coral reef fish.
- Anatomy: This species is characterized by notably large eye sockets, suggesting that Berybolcensis was already nocturnal 50 million years ago or hunted in deeper, low-light zones of the lagoon.
- Defense Mechanisms: The species name leptacanthus (Greek for "slender spine") refers to the finely developed, sharp spiny rays of the dorsal fin, which protected the fish from larger predators like prehistoric sharks or crocodiles.
- Lifestyle: These fish inhabited the complex reef structures of the Tethys Ocean. The double occurrence on this single plate is particularly valuable, as it documents the gregarious behavior or a simultaneous flight event of these animals during the Eocene.
Monte Bolca, specifically the Pesciara ("fish quarry") site, is considered one of the most significant fossil Lagerstätten in the world. The oxygen-poor conditions at the bottom of the prehistoric lagoon ensured the excellent preservation of skeletons, often revealing the finest details of scale structures.
Rarity and Market Availability
Today, the area is under strict protection by the Italian state. New finds are practically inaccessible for private trade. Specimens like this one, originating from historic collections with a 100-year-old preparation style, are highly sought-after collector's items of museum quality.
Object Details:
- Species: Berybolcensis leptacanthus
- Age: Eocene, approx. 50 million years
- Special Feature: Rare double specimen on one matrix.
- Condition: Authentic specimen with clear bone substance. Notable is the historic preparation from approximately 100 years ago. The stone was previously broken and has been stabilized/glued; the fossils were coated with a clear varnish, as was customary at the time (this can be removed with solvents upon request).
- Dimensions: The fish measure approximately9,5 cm and 8 cm. The matrix measures approximately 13,5 x 9 x 2 cm.
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