Lepidotes Fossil Fish Body Section with Scales Jurassic Lyme Regis Dorset Blue Lias Monmouth Beach Premium Signed COA Included

Description Genuine Lepidotes Fossil Fish Section – Jurassic Coast Marine Treasure Presented here is an exceptional and highly collectible Lepidotes fossil fish body section with beautifully preserved scales, sourced from the famous Blue Lias Formation of the Jurassic Coast, specifically Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. This is a genuine fossil fish specimen displaying part of the body armour and characteristic ganoid scales of Lepidotes, an iconic Jurassic fish. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, carefully selected for quality, clarity, and natural scientific appeal. This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, providing lifetime confidence in its legitimacy and provenance. Full sizing details are available in the photographs for complete transparency. Geological Setting – Blue Lias Formation, Jurassic Coast This Lepidotes fossil originates from the Blue Lias, an internationally important sequence of Early Jurassic limestone and shale deposited around 195–200 million years ago. During the Early Jurassic, Lyme Regis lay beneath a warm shallow sea rich in marine life, including ammonites, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and diverse bony fish. Fine sediments settled on the sea floor, creating low-oxygen conditions that greatly enhanced preservation. Monmouth Beach is one of Britain’s most celebrated fossil localities, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, known worldwide for producing spectacular marine fossils. The Blue Lias represents a critical window into early Jurassic ecosystems and is among the best-known fossil-bearing formations in Europe. Fossil Type – Lepidotes Armoured Fish Remains Lepidotes was a prehistoric ray-finned fish belonging to the group of heavily armoured fishes that thrived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. It is especially recognised for its thick, shiny ganoid scales, which form some of the most striking fish fossils found along the Dorset coast. Scientific classification includes: Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Order: Semionotiformes Family: Semionotidae Genus: Lepidotes Lepidotes is an important fossil fish genus, representing early evolutionary stages of bony fishes before modern teleost dominance. Morphology and Notable Features of This Specimen This specimen preserves a section of the fish body complete with distinctive scale structure. Features collectors value include: Thick, rhomboidal ganoid scales with natural enamel-like sheen Clear overlapping armour pattern Authentic Jurassic fossil bone and body section preservation Strong contrast against the Blue Lias matrix Lepidotes scales are particularly durable, which is why they are commonly preserved even when other skeletal parts are fragmentary. These fossils offer an extraordinary look at prehistoric fish anatomy and natural armour systems. Depositional Environment – Jurassic Shallow Sea Preservation The Blue Lias sea was calm and rich in life, but periodic oxygen-poor conditions on the seabed reduced decay and scavenging. This allowed fish remains like Lepidotes to become rapidly buried in fine sediments, leading to detailed fossilisation. Such conditions produced world-class marine fossils, and Lepidotes remains from Lyme Regis are among the most visually striking fish fossils available to collectors. Authenticity, Premium Certificate, and Collectability This fossil has been responsibly sourced and professionally prepared for collectors. Genuine Lepidotes fossil fish body section Preserved Jurassic armour scales visible in detail From Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, Dorset Includes fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity Exact specimen pictured is the one offered Ideal for Collectors, Displays, and Gifts This Lepidotes fossil makes an outstanding addition to: Fossil fish collections Jurassic Coast specimen cabinets Educational teaching displays Unique natural history gifts Museum-style décor A rare opportunity to own a genuine Lepidotes fossil fish body and scale section from one of the most famous fossil beaches on Earth, preserved from the ancient seas of Jurassic Dorset for nearly 200 million years.