About the item: A well-preserved fish skeleton of the genus Nematonotus, which lived in the seas of the Late Cretaceous period approximately 100–95 million years ago. This piece was found in Lebanon, a region world-renowned for exceptionally well-preserved fossil discoveries of Cretaceous marine organisms. The sedimentary rocks of this area perfectly preserve even the finest skeletal structures, making Lebanese finds highly valued from both scientific and collecting perspectives.
Technical information:
Object: Fish skeleton.
Species: Nematonotus.
Animal type: Prehistoric ray-finned fish.
Geological period: Late Cretaceous.
Age: ~100–95 million years.
Discovery location: Lebanon.
Dimensions: 12 × 15.5 cm.
Weight: 700 g.
Fossilization type: Skeleton in a limestone slab.
Condition: Natural, without restoration.
Treatment: None.
Authenticity: Original fossil.
Scientific and morphological analysis: Nematonotus was a ray-finned fish belonging to an ancient group of bony fish that lived in warm prehistoric oceans. These fish formed an important part of the food chain between smaller organisms and larger predators. The specimen features a clearly visible complete skeleton arranged in a natural position within a light-colored limestone slab. The main skeletal structures, spine, fin bones, and body contours are perfectly visible. This unique fossilization occurred when the organism was rapidly covered by fine sediments in an anoxic environment, which protected it from decay and preserved its original relief.
Preservation and authenticity: The specimen is in completely natural condition, without restoration or additional chemical treatment. This is a one hundred percent authentic paleontological find that has maintained its original structure for about 100 million years. This specimen is direct biological evidence of an extinct species that flourished in Earth's ancient oceans at the same time when the land was ruled by the great dinosaurs.
Collectible and investment value: The market value of this fish fossil is defined by several key aspects. First and foremost is the flawless quality of preservation, where the contours of the spine and the unique long fins are clearly visible. The value is further strengthened by its completely natural condition without any modern modifications or reconstructions, which guarantees a stable residual value. Finally, the object possesses high aesthetic representativeness, meaning that due to its authenticity and expressive appearance, it will become an exceptional highlight in any private natural history collection or a prestigious interior detail.
