Description

Paratarrasius hibbardi
Late Mississippian
Bear Gulch Limestone
Fergus County, Montana, USA

109mm ultra-rare fish on 126mm slab

Paratarrasius is an extinct genus of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) that lived during the Carboniferous period, around 358 to 298 million years ago. Unlike some other prehistoric fish that were heavily armored or predatory, Paratarrasius belonged to an early group of fishes that evolved lightweight, flexible bodies suited for more agile swimming in freshwater environments.

Read the original scientific paper here (PDF): https://www.palass.org/publications/palaeontology-journal/archive/25/3/article_pp485-498