Knightia alta Fossil Fish in Matrix – Grade A Eocene Freshwater Specimen – USA – Authentic Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity

Description Now available is a beautifully preserved Grade ‘A’ specimen of Knightia alta, an extinct genus of freshwater fish from the Eocene Epoch, dating back approximately 56 to 34 million years ago. This genuine fossil is embedded in its original sedimentary limestone matrix and comes from the Green River Formation of the western United States, one of the most renowned fossil-rich sites in the world. Geological and Species Information: Scientific Name: Knightia alta Common Name: Fossil Fish Fossil Type: Fish in Matrix Geological Age: Eocene Epoch (56–34 million years ago) Formation: Green River Formation Location: USA (typically Wyoming, Utah, or Colorado) Grade: A – Premier preservation and preparation Scale Cube = 1cm – See photo for actual size The Green River Formation was once a vast subtropical freshwater lake system with calm, sediment-rich waters—ideal for fossil preservation. These lakebeds captured and fossilised entire ecosystems, giving rise to exquisitely detailed vertebrate fossils like Knightia alta, as well as plants, insects, and other aquatic life. Knightia alta belongs to the extinct family Clupeidae, related to modern herring and sardines. These fish swam in large schools and played an important role in the food chain, feeding on algae, diatoms, insects, and smaller fish. In turn, they became prey for larger fish, reptiles, and early birds. Fossil Appearance & Preparation: This authentic Knightia alta fossil shows the fossilised remains of the fish’s skeleton within its natural limestone slab. While full preservation is rare, the bone structure and body outline remain clear and attractive. To enhance visibility and protect the fossil, a light brown mineral stain has been professionally applied. This practice highlights the key anatomical features and may include subtle artistic enhancements to indicate where fins once were—common in museum-quality preparation. Each piece is unique and the specimen shown is the exact one you will receive, hand-selected and photographed for clarity and accuracy. Key Features: 100% genuine Knightia alta fossil from the Eocene Premier Grade ‘A’ specimen with fine skeletal detail Preserved in limestone matrix from a fossil-rich site in the USA Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity Professionally prepared and enhanced for visual clarity A perfect specimen for collectors, educational displays, or natural history enthusiasts Scale cube = 1cm – Please see photo for exact sizing Specimen may be propped during photography; dimensions are as accurate as possible Colours may vary slightly due to lighting and display differences Why Collect Knightia Fossils? Knightia is Wyoming’s state fossil and one of the most famous fossil fish in the world due to its abundance and beautiful preservation. Its presence in museum displays and fossil collections worldwide reflects its scientific and educational value. Whether you’re an experienced fossil collector, educator, or simply fascinated by Earth’s prehistoric past, Knightia alta offers an accessible yet meaningful piece of ancient life. Bring home a genuine slice of Earth’s ancient freshwater history with this beautiful Knightia alta fossil—an authentic, Grade A specimen from the age of early mammals, birds, and subtropical lakes.