Palaeoperca, Messel-fish

This double-finned perch Palaeoperca proxima comes from the Eocene layers of the famous German Messel Pit. 
The age of this fossil is about 47 million years.

Messel fossils are very sought-after collector's items. The site has not been accessible for a long time.
This piece comes from an old collection, it was found in the 1970s.

As is usual with Messel fossils, this exhibit was prepared using the so-called synthetic resin transfer 
method. This is the only way such fossils can be preserved permanently.

The Messel Pit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and new finds have not come onto the market for decades.

The fish measures about 11 cm, stretched it is slightly longer. The slab is unbroken and measures 
approximately 14 x 8 x 0.5 cm.
Interesting: The animal is preserved in a rare ventral position.

Perch were rarely found in the pit and Palaeoperca in particular is hardly available for sale anywhere 
anymore.

Good quality and well prepared fossil!

SOLD