Species Accounts
Approximately 130 different species of fish have been excavated from the Bear Gulch Limestone during these past years. They include the earliest known lamprey, at least one acanthodian, an exceptionally diverse assortment of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes), numerous early ray-fin fishes (Actinopterygii) and a number of lobe-fins (Sarcopterygii). For more information about these groups check out the Fish Primer.
The digging continues, as does the discovery of new species. Less than half of the Bear Gulch species have been formally published. As new species appear in print, we will add them to this web site, as well as the important new information they may reveal.
Chondrichthyes (sharks and their kin)
Chondrichthyans of uncertain affinities
unpublished species
Orodus daedeleus
Orodus sp.
Holocephalimorpha of uncertain affinity
Holocephali of uncertain affinity
Lisgodus/Chomatodus spp.
Menaspidae
Cochliodonts of uncertain affinity
unpublished cochliodonts
Elasmobranchii of uncertain affinity
Thrinacodus sp.
unpublished Tristychoid
Actinopterygii (ray-fin fishes)
Platysomus sp.
Paleoniscoids of uncertain affinity
unpublished species
Sarcopterygii (lobe-fin fishes)
Coelacanthiformes (coelacanths)
Lochmocercus aciculodontus
Polyosteorhynchus beargulchensis
unpublished species