Observations of a Devonian fish bonebed
A bone bed occurs at the top of the Jeffersonville
Limestone
(Eifelian, Middle Devonian). The density is much richer than
the layers above or below, but an exceptionally dense exposure
was found in a Clark Co., Indiana quarry. This material was
residual rock from a shot in the ledge early in 2007. The
density of bone material is probably close to 1,000 fragments
per cubic inch! Most of the time the bone color in the Devonian
bone beds is black to dark brown, blue when exposed to sunlight.
This bed is dominated by orange and red fragments. The bone bed
fills and disconformity with an extremely irregular surface.
1
Devonian bonebed Atkins
A view about 3 cm wide (~10x) show a large number of
fragments of teeth, scales, and bone.
2
Paleonscid tooth
A typical tooth of a Devonian paleoniscid fish, ~5mm long.
3
Paleoniscid tooth
Another tooth of a Devonian paleoniscid fish, ~4mm long.
4
A possible fish scale 2 - 3 mm dia.
5
Unidentified scale or tooth (1 - 2mm dia.)
I don't know enough about Devonian fish to make the call!
6
Tooth that tapers where it fit into the jaw. (~3mm long)
7
Fish tooth cross-section with growth rings. 2mm dia.
8
A variety of teeth and bone fragments.
Field is ~2 cm. Note the luster of the bone material!
Alan Goldstein
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