Thumbprints - Fossil Fish Scale


Optical 1
Optical 2
Optical 3


Optical 4
Optical 5		  

SEM 1
SEM 2
SEM 3
SEM 4
SEM 5


As a fish grows, its scales develop rings much like those 
found in trees.  These rings can determine the age of the fish.  In the summer the rings grow faster and have wider separations, while in winter, the rings grow slower with narrower separations.  Each pair of rings indicate one year.

The scale shown here was found in Wyoming and is presumed to be from the early cretaceous period.

T.J. Garza

For interesting fish facts, visit:
http://www.nefsc.nmfs.gov/faq/fishfaq1a.html