Oligocene Fossil Fish Clupea from Poland

Clupea sp.

Class Actinopterygii, Order Clupeiformes, Family Clupeidae

Geological Time: Middle Oligocene

Size: 60 mm

Fossil Site: Rowe, Carpathian Mountains. Poland


Clupea Oligocene Fish FossilsDescription: Herring-like fish are the most important fish group on this planet. They are the dominant converter of the enormous production of zooplankton, utilizing the biomass of copepods, mysids and krill in the pelagial. They are, on the other hand, a central prey item for higher trophic levels. The reason for its success is still enigmatic; one speculation attributes their dominance to the outstanding way of living in huge, extremely fast cruising schools. It is well preserved, revealing excellent detail of the tail, thorax and head.

Also see: Actinopterygii Fish Fossils

click fossil pictures to enlarge


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