This is a magnificent fossil fish aspiration. In this unique specimen, a gorgeous _Diplomystus dentatus_ is preserved swallowing a small, spiny fish, _Cockerellites liops._

It's truly remarkable that this dynamic ecological event was frozen in time for millions of years!

In addition to the tail of the smaller fish protruding from the predator's mouth, its small spines and other bones are visible deeper inside the stomach of the _Diplomystus_.

The larger fish is related to modern day herrings. Its distinctive upturned mouth was well suited to nab small surface fish.

Aspirations are rare to begin with and, moreover, an aesthetic and clearly discernible example is rarer still.

In this aesthetic piece, the earthy brown bones of the fish stand out in striking contrast to the light, banded stone matrix.

These fish swam in ancient Eocene lakes in Wyoming, USA, 50 million years ago. They were discovered in the famous Green River Formation, which is known to produce some of the most spectacular vertebrate fossils in the world.

Hours of painstaking work by a professional fossil preparator was needed to uncover the fine bones of this fossil from the stone. Surely, it was worth the effort to bring this ancient fish to life.

This museum quality specimen comes with a signed certificate of authenticity from Fossil Realm.

The slab of stone measures 26.5 x 15.75 x 1.23 inches (67.3 cm x 40 x 3 cm). Fish measures 16 x 6.25 inches long (40.6 x 15.8 cm). Weighs 21.2 lbs (9.7 kg).

Easy to hang with plywood backing.