Bird feather and exploded fish
Early Eocene
Green river formation
Kemmerer
Wyoming, USA.

The fish element shows a classic case of post mortem gas expansion and soft-tissue rupture, often referred to as an “exploded” preservation. The body is partially disarticulated yet still retains clear outlines of the skeleton, scales, and fin structures. The spread of elements across the slab reveals fine anatomical detail, including vertebral alignment and fin ray impressions.
Nearby, a single bird feather impression is preserved in striking contrast—light, filamentous, and finely structured. The feather’s central rachis and delicate barbs are often visible as a dark carbon imprint, offering a rare glimpse into avian life of the Eocene lake ecosystem.
55mm perfect bird feather and exploded fish on 170mm slab