Needle Fish

Cretaceous

Morocco 

6 inches x 5 inches
x ½ inch piece of matrix 

This specimen comes from new site from the the early to mid Cretaceous of Morocco. 

Its closest living relative is the Bowfin although it would seem to fit into the pike family. It is characterized by a long pointed snout with very fine teeth. The upper jaw, which ends in a toothless spike or rostrum, is longer than the lower jaw. 

There is absolutely no touch-up or restoration. The specimen is incredibly detailed and artfully posed on a 6 in. x 5 in. x 1/2 in. piece of matrix.