Unknown? found on the Ohio River
Identified: The large bulb shape is a Tilly bone

I would appreciate help with identification of this specimen

Brent Ashcraft

Discussion

I'm not an ichthyologist, so I can't say for sure. My guess would be the
brain case within the skull. We find all sorts of weird fish bones at the
Falls of the Ohio. They usually have that color and they are not fossilized.
If you did a search for ichthyologist - Ohio River or freshwater - you might
find someone who can identify it. Certainly there are experts in some state
fish & wildlife departments.

It is a hyperostotic spine (first ray of the pectoral fin) from a large catfish.
I don’t think it is a fossil.

The large bulb shape in the middle of the spine, not the spine itself is the object
of scrutiny. I have seen these on Florida beaches for years, from Cat fish as
well as other species. The large bulb shape is a Tilly.

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