Juvenile Mioplosus sp.-Wyoming

Taxa: Juvenile Mioplosus sp.

Geology: Green River formation

Age: Eocene

Locality: Kemerrer, Wyoming

Mioplosus

Mioplosus is an extinct genus of fish that lived during the Eocene epoch, around 50 million years ago. It is part of the family Plesiopidae and is known primarily from fossilized remains found in the Green River Formation. Mioplosus was a predatory fish, characterized by a relatively long body and sharp teeth, indicating it likely fed on smaller fish and other aquatic organisms. Fossils of Mioplosus are often well-preserved, and the species provides valuable insights into the aquatic ecosystems of the Eocene. Its fossils are particularly notable for their preservation of fine details, such as scales and fin structures.

Green River formation

The Green River Formation is a large geologic formation found in the western United States, primarily in Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. It dates back to the Eocene epoch, around 50 to 40 million years ago, and is renowned for its well-preserved fossils, particularly of fish, plants, and insects. The formation represents an ancient series of lakes that were rich in biodiversity, providing a unique glimpse into life during the early Eocene. It is especially famous for its fossilized fish, including species like Priscacara serrata and Knightia, which are often preserved in remarkable detail. The Green River Formation also holds significant oil shale deposits and is an important site for paleontological research.