Description

Middle Eocene

Kamloops Group, Tranquille Shale Member

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada

Very rare 66mm fish on 97mm slab.

Fish, association

Eohiodon rosei is an extinct species of mooneye (Family Hiodontidae), a group of freshwater ray-finned fishes.  The Tranquille Shale is a layer known primarily for leaves (Metasequoia) and insects with tish being rare finds.  Eohiodon is more common from the slightly older Green River Shale (sites in Wyoming).

Two mooneye species of the genus Hiodon still live today in clean, clear ponds, lakes, and rivers.  At least one researcher has stated the species within the genus Eohiodon should be reassigned to Hiodon as there are no real differences between them.

This specimen is nicely centered on matrix. A great display piece of a lesser-known fish with a water plant so it’s an inexpensive association piece as well.