Priscacara

Priscacara liops

Priscacara is the name of a now extinct genus of fish that was once abundant over 50 million years ago. Three separate species have been uncovered in fossil form, all within the Green River Formation in the state of Wyoming.

The Green River Formation is a pretty remarkable area, in that it has wonderfully preserved dozens of different early Eocene species. Aside from the Priscacara fish, snakes, crocodiles, birds, and numerous plants have all been found in the Formation.

The three species of Priscacara are actually related to modern Perch, and belong to the same family. They range in size from a few inches to just over a foot, and had round bodies with lower jaws that protruded outwards in order to grab small invertebrates from lake and river bottoms.

Fossils of the Priscacara species are quite common despite their age, and are often sold to collectors for only a few hundred dollars.

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Status : Extinct for around 50 million years
Location : Fossils found in Wyoming
Size : Length up to 13in (33cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Actinopterygii -- Order : Perciformes
Family : Percidae -- Genus : Priscacara