Astephus antiquus rare catfish
(code:Aaff)
weight: 8.1
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A very rare and sought after example of the Eocene fossil catfish Astephus antiquus.
This specimen is one of the best i have ever seen,this is mainly down to the great preservation of the oil shale matrix and also the fact that this one has been painstakeingly cleaned by hand under a microscope using a needle to remove the small matrix particals one by one,many hours have been put into this peice.
Most collectors are familiar with the green river fish such as Diplomystus,Knightia ect,the preservation of the oil shale units of the Laney member differs very much from the usual "flakey" matrix,it appears alot harder and is different totally in appearence.
Very few of these catfish are on the open market especially specimens as detailed and exquisitly prepared as this one.
No restoration,stain,or repair to matrix.
Astephus antiquus
Laney shale member of the Green river formation
Lake Gosuite
Age = mid Eocene
Fish size= 25 cm at longest point
