Ross and Lynda of Arana Hill Brisbane found their magnificent specimen after visiting the Kronosaurus Korner fossil museum. Armed with enthusiasm and the knowledge of what a fossil looks like they headed out to site 2. One of 2 public fossil hunting sites ran by the Kronosaurus Korner and Richmond Shire.

There they stumble across what is the first accurate record of a Cretaceous sword fish from Richmond Region. This amazing fish will be register into the Kronosaurus Korner collection for study by palaeontologists around the world.  I will be sending a picture to Emerate professor and past qld museum director Dr Alan Bartholomai. He will compare the anatomy of the animal with some other specimens that have been found at Boulia. The specimen could be an animal recently described as Australopachycormus hurleyi or may be something entirely new to science. See attached scientific paper.

Further study will tell. For example the curator has begun preparing the specimen by carefully chiselling off the surrounding matrix. Preserving the bone with conservation plastics as he proceeds.  Once this is complete photos will be sent to the relevant palaeontologists who specialize in extinct fish from this geological Era.

Fossil are general very rare and hard to find. Richmond is an exception. With some of the best specimen in the world and Australia, being discovered in the Richmond Region. Everything from the giant Kronosaurus Pliosaur to speedy Ichthyosaurs to minute fish and marine invertebrates.

Much of the Kronosaurus Korner collections have come from Landholders. Landholders generously donate specimens found on their properties. Especially if they know they are going to a local Museum for public viewing.

Unlike state museums who often have either the funds or space to put much of their collections on display.

The generosity of Richmond’s landholders and councils support is why Kronosaurus Korner has the most comprehensive display of dinosaurs and marine reptile fossil in Australia.