Vinctifer aspidorhynchus (or Comptoni)

Fossil description

This fossil Vinctifer fish is from the world famous Santana Formation in Ceara, Brazil. Vinctifer fish lived from the Jurassic 160m years until the end of the Cretaceous, 65m years ago.  They had long rectangular scales running down the body, and torpedo-like bodies, made for swift hunting, much like the modern day Barracuda.

The Santana Formation is to be found in North East Brazil, in the Araripe Basin. The strata were laid down during the early Cretaceous Period (~130 million years ago).  The location produces exceptionally well preserved and diverse fauna & Flora. Over 25 species of fish are known, along with pterosaurs, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. Many soft parts were preserved during fossilization. 
 
In the future it will become much more difficult to offer these spectacular fossils, as there are moves afoot to make the formation, and its fossil record, a protected area.

Donated by Jon Dykstra