Adiyaman makes historic discovery with 15 million-year-old fish fossil

The discovery of a remarkably preserved fish fossil dating back 15 million years in Adiyaman’s Besni district sheds light on ancient aquatic life

A 15-million-year-old fish fossil unearthed in the Besni district of Adiyaman, is set to become a captivating addition to the Adiyaman Museum’s collection

This significant find, measuring about 8 centimeters (3.15 inches), features well-preserved fins, skeleton and capillary veins. Adıyaman Museum’s Director Mehmet Alkan confirmed the fossil’s addition to the museum’s collection.

A local resident in the village of Oluklu stumbled upon the fossil dating back to the Middle Miocene Epoch, dating back between 11.6 million and 16 million years.

Alkan highlighted the fossil’s significance by saying, “The fish fossil, found on rock, showcases distinct capillaries and fins. This is a significant discovery, indicating the types of creatures that lived in the lake and river deposits of that era.”

Alkan further noted, “This fossil is very important. It will be displayed in the museum’s exhibition hall for visitors to appreciate and learn about our region’s rich natural history and the evolutionary journey of aquatic life.”