Is Knightia a fossil fish?
The genus was erected by David Starr Jordan in 1907, in honor of the late University of Wyoming professor Wilbur Clinton Knight, “an indefatigable student of the paleontology of the Rocky Mountains.” It is the official state fossil of Wyoming, and the most commonly excavated fossil fish in the world.
Are Knightia fossils real?
Knightia is an extinct genus of freshwater herring found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming, USA. They are well known across the world due to the extreme abundance of their fossils. Knightia existed 50-40 million years ago during the Eocene epoch.
What type of fossil is a Knightia?
Knightia is an Eocene aged schooling, ray-finned fish which is related to herrings and sardines. It’s the most common type of fossil fish found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming. They average about 3-4 inches in length but larger specimens can be found.
Where are Knightia fossils found?
Green River Formation of Wyoming
An extinct genus of fish, knightia is well-known from the abundant fossils found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming.
When did Knightia go extinct?
Knightia History: Knightia was a small species of freshwater herring that lived and died in the Eocene Epoch, approximately 50 million years ago.
Who discovered Knightia?
The first Knightia fossils were discovered in the 1840’s by missionaries and explorers traveling through the region. There the genus was named after Wilbur Clinton Knight, the first state geologist of Wyoming. Today, fossils are collected at several commercial quarries around the town of Kemmerer, Wyoming.
How old is Knightia fish?
around 50 million years old
These fish fossils are the Eocene Epoch period, meaning they are around 50 million years old! Each specimen is of a full fish, each one is hand picked so you only receive a top quality specimen! These fish are called Knightia Alta’s, and are very similar to the modern day herring.
What is Wyoming state insect?
Sheridan’s green hairstreak butterfly
CHAPTER 3 – STATE SEAL, FLAG, FLOWER, BIRD AND OTHER SYMBOLS. 8-3-122. State insect. Callophrys sheridanii, commonly known as Sheridan’s green hairstreak butterfly, is the state butterfly of Wyoming.
What is Wyoming state animal?
The bison, adopted Wyoming’s State Mammal on February 23, 1985, is the largest terrestrial animal in North America, where it is commonly called buffalo.
What is the Wyoming state butterfly?
Sheridan’s Green Hairstreak
State Butterfly: Sheridan’s Green Hairstreak.
Where are the fossils of Knightia fish found?
Knightia is an extinct genus of freshwater herring found in the Green River Formation of Wyoming, USA. They are well known across the world due to the extreme abundance of their fossils. Knightia existed 50-40 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. Hundreds of these fish can be found in a square yard of fossiliferous rock.
How big does a Knightia eocaena fossil get?
Their size varied by species: Knightia eocaena was the longest, growing up to 25 centimeters (10 inches), though most specimens are no larger than 15 centimeters. [4] Knightia alta was shorter and relatively wider, with specimens averaging between 6 and 10 centimeters.
How did the genus Knightia get its name?
The genus was erected by David Starr Jordan in 1907, in honor of the late University of Wyoming professor Wilbur Clinton Knight, “an indefatigable student of the paleontology of the Rocky Mountains.” It is the official state fossil of Wyoming, and the most commonly excavated fossil fish in the world.
What kind of fish have Knightia in their jaws?
The Green River Formation has yielded many fossils of larger fish species preying on Knightia; specimens of Diplomystus, Lepisosteus, Amphiplaga, Mioplosus, Phareodus, Amia, and Astephus have all been found with Knightia in either their jaws or stomachs. ^ Jordan, D. S. 1907.