In a fascinating discovery, a nearly perfectly preserved 3D fish fossil, complete with an intact eyeball, has been found in a farmer’s field in Gloucestershire, UK. This prehistoric marvel is believed to be approximately 183 million years old and was discovered alongside various marine animals. The remarkable find sheds light on life during the Early Jurassic period and provides valuable insights into ancient ecosystems.
The excavation that led to this extraordinary discovery was conducted by a team of eight scientists, armed with a digger. Among them was Dr. Dean Lomax, known for his involvement in uncovering the largest and most complete Sea Dragon fossil found in the UK, which is also roughly 180 million years old.
The fossils were found in Court Farm, Kings Stanley, where limestone nodules, hidden underwater for over a century, were cracked open. These nodules yielded a treasure trove of ancient life forms, including prehistoric squids, marine reptiles, insects, and fish. The fish fossil discovered at the site was exceptionally well-preserved, with scales, fins, and even eyeballs intact. Such pristine preservation allowed researchers to create a detailed 3D model of the ancient fish, identified as Pachycormus, showcasing its distinctive eyeballs.
These findings have not only fascinated scientists but also transformed Court Farm into a unique outdoor classroom. Nigel Larkin, a specialist palaeontological conservator involved in the research, expressed, “This site – already an interesting farm in a beautiful setting – is one big outdoor classroom, and the lessons now include geology, palaeontology, evolution, and climate change.”
The exciting discoveries at Court Farm have inspired the team to continue their exploration of this remarkable site. As more astonishing 3D fossils are uncovered, they will undoubtedly provide further insights into the ancient world and its inhabitants, offering a window into Earth’s history 183 million years ago.
