Description

Fundulus cf. F. zebrinus
Pliocene
Rita Blanca Formation
Oldham County, TX USA.
21mm killifish on 82mm slab.

Fish.

Fundulus is a genus of bony fish that dates back to the Early-Middle Miocene of Nevada.  The various species of this genus are commonly called “killifish” or “topminnows.”  This specimen compares favorably to the modern Plains killifish, a river fish with tolerance for saltwater.

Longtime fossil collectors remember when specimens from the Pliocene of Nevada (Truckee Formation) were available. Now, newbies have a chance to pick up an oddball fish without breaking the bank.