My 'Ancient Fishes' figures

Rakel wrote:

Wow... they are beautiful if the pictures I found of them, when is searched, is anything to go by.
We have more ordinary fish; goldfish, koi, grass carp and golden orfe (in gold and silver).

Thsoe are better pond fish though...although, for a little while, I kept gars and bichirs together in a 160gallon pond inside my apartment! I used to be far more hardcore about fishkeeping! Now I just have the little 55gallon.

I used to feed orfes to them all the time though...

wow.. That is a huge aquarium.

Well I guess that's just how it is, i believe our orfes (and the other fish) eats the fry, so that is how Nature is.
Sorry for the late ansvar, I could not find your topic, so had to go back and find the email sent, with a new reply.

Rakel wrote:

wow.. That is a huge aquarium.

Well I guess that's just how it is, i believe our orfes (and the other fish) eats the fry, so that is how Nature is.
Sorry for the late ansvar, I could not find your topic, so had to go back and find the email sent, with a new reply.

I've always kept predators--I've gotten used to it. I worked in pet stores for ten years, so you get very used to life and death--especially among fish and reptiles.

It is funny though--now that I have a 55gal, it feels so small. My largest glass aquarium was 120gallons and held gars, arowana, bichirs and large plecos, plus some other odds and ends. The only downside to a pond is that everything is from above--need to come up with a strong enough clear-sided self-supporting pond! They are great for growing pond plants indoors as well (in Canada, those plants don't last long outside ).

I finally have something to add to this thread!

Another Holostean, relative to gars and bowfin.

But this time, an extinct one!

This is Lepidotes, a fish that ranged around the world from the Triassic to the Cretaceous. The species is indeterminate.

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Also, I just noticed how remiss I've been in this thread--I have several more Ancient Fishes (mostly FaunaFigures ones, but they count!) that need to go on here! Assuming I have a proper handle on the photos, I should be able to make this happen sooner rather than later!

Oh, a traditional gar is surely more impressive than that very interesting fish. Though, it is surely great that you could find one of these replicated. FFF are surely ancient fish and this topic could help someone searching for them to find a way to your FFF.

Roger wrote:

Oh, a traditional gar is surely more impressive than that very interesting fish. Though, it is surely great that you could find one of these replicated. FFF are surely ancient fish and this topic could help someone searching for them to find a way to your FFF.

I would definitely agree--gars are far more unique looking than Lepidotes! Especially as represented by the figure.

The only other one I know of is attached to the claw of the Invicta Baryonyx! If it wasn't such a hard, molded plastic, I would try and find a cheap spare one and remove the fish!

What a lovely, little fish

I look forward to see more of your ancient beauties

sbell wrote:

Roger wrote:

Oh, a traditional gar is surely more impressive than that very interesting fish. Though, it is surely great that you could find one of these replicated. FFF are surely ancient fish and this topic could help someone searching for them to find a way to your FFF.

I would definitely agree--gars are far more unique looking than Lepidotes! Especially as represented by the figure.

The only other one I know of is attached to the claw of the Invicta Baryonyx! If it wasn't such a hard, molded plastic, I would try and find a cheap spare one and remove the fish!

A spare one in a very poor condition once the Invicta baryonyx is an impressive figure. It is amazing that you can identify the often negleted prey in these figures. I could never guess what it could be. But, predators are part of these collections, I will never consider to remove the fox from my Reisler golden eagle. OK, I agree that foxes are more common than Lepidotes.


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Roger wrote:

sbell wrote:

Roger wrote:

Oh, a traditional gar is surely more impressive than that very interesting fish. Though, it is surely great that you could find one of these replicated. FFF are surely ancient fish and this topic could help someone searching for them to find a way to your FFF.

I would definitely agree--gars are far more unique looking than Lepidotes! Especially as represented by the figure.

The only other one I know of is attached to the claw of the Invicta Baryonyx! If it wasn't such a hard, molded plastic, I would try and find a cheap spare one and remove the fish!

A spare one in a very poor condition once the Invicta baryonyx is an impressive figure. It is amazing that you can identify the often negleted prey in these figures. I could never guess what it could be. But, predators are part of these collections, I will never consider to remove the fox from my Reisler golden eagle. OK, I agree that foxes are more common than Lepidotes.

Well, that's why I would want a spare...I like my existing one!

Amazing collection! I'm so glad you decided to "self promote" because I love these prehistoric fishes too, especially the gars and sturgeons. Here I thought no or very few examples of these existed in toy form, but now I see there are almost too many to choose from. Great collection of arapaima and lungfish, too! I also really like your xiphactinus. This is one I'm surprised isn't more popular since it's a relatively well known species that has been featured in quite a few documentaries.

As mentioned, I realized that I had several figures that should be in this thread--but just haven't gotten to it!

So now I am adding them! Most of the photos will have at least one model from before for comparison of size.
ACTINOPTERYGII
CLADISTIA
Bichirs:

A few more bichirs--the very large P. endlicheri from Favorite, and two versions of the P. senegalus from Fauna Figures--the 'normal' and a special-request albino. Compared to every other bichir figure out there...it isn't enough:

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CHONDROSTEI
Paddlefish:

The Fauna Figures Paddlefish, compared to the 3D printed one, and the Colorata sturgeon (scale isn't too bad):

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HOLOSTEI
Bowfin

The FaunaFigures Fishes Bowfin, the only current model of this fish.

So I had to compare it to a couple of its living relatives--the 6" Replica Toy Fish Longnose gar (scale's about right) and the Colorata Alligator gar (just because).

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OSTEOGLOSSOMORPHA
The Bonytongues!

Arowana
The new Favorite Silver Arowana, a fish that isn't made much, with the Kaiyodo Aqualand arowana and a Yujin Asian arowana

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Pirarucu & African Bonytongue--Family Arapaimidae

The Favorite Arapaima, a favorite species for many Japanese companies, is probably the largest onne available. And the other new one is the only figure of its kind, from the same family--the African Bonytongue, Heterotis niloticus

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African Bonytongues are strange fish--they are filter feeders in freshwater waterways throughout much of continental Africa (and have been introduced elsewhere, even into Madagascar, as food fish). Heterotis is also called the African Arowana, but recent work indicates that they are more closely related to the giant Arapaima, despite very different appearances and lifestyles.

The 'other osteoglossomorph families'--Pantodontidae, Notopteridae, Mormyridae

in the FaunaFigures Fishes, we added one more of the osteoglossomorph species that has never been done--the African Butterflyfish Pantodon buchholzi. It is pictured with the 3D printed mormyrid and featherfin knifefish. Unfortunately, the mold for the Butterflyfish may be too damaged, and I'm not sure if it can be recovered. But we will work towards another eventually!

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(now we just need an Aba-Aba to include all of the osteoglossomorph families. It's on the list eventually!).

SARCOPTERYGII
DIPNOMORPHA
African Lungfish Protopteridae:

For some reason, no one has made any African lungfish--until FaunaFigures Fishes. Just lots of Australian lungfish (I included a few in the photo--Colorata, Epoch and Yowies).

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On the left is the original model, Protopterus annectens, the West African lungfish. On the left is a custom-request paint scheme for Protopterus aethiopicus, The Leopard Lungfish or Marbled Lungfish. Although the figures are the same size and mold (they appear very similar), the real animals are quite different in size--the West African species is about 1m, while the Marbled can reach over 2m.
The protopterid lungfish (like the South American lepidosirenid lungfish) are more derived air-breathing specialists, with fully functioning lungs. Unlike the Australian species, these species are obligate air-breathers that (as adults) don't even have functional lungs. And they are all capable of aestivating--burying in mud during dry periods while still breathing.

ACTINISTIA
Coelacanth

It wouldn't be an Ancient Fishes post without at least one new Coelcanth model, from Japan of course. This is from the Ancient Fishes line from Favorite, and it is a big figure--pictured with the Safari and Colorata model, to give a sense of just how big! Plus, there is an even larger one (one of the large Vinyl toys) but I don't have that yet.

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AGNATHA
CYCLOSTOMATA
Lamprey:

Okay, so this is the first foray outside of the 'bony fishes' but it is a first (although I think there is a goofy toy or two out there). We made  a FaunaFigures Fishes Lamprey, because it is about time! This one is an American Brook Lamprey, Lethenteron appendix. Although famous for being parasitic animals, the brook lamprey is not--juveniles (amocoets are bottom feeders (detrivores, if you're fancy), while adults don't feed at all--they breed and die. So the Safari Largemouth bass in the photo, roughly to similar scale, is perfectly safe!

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At some point, I will try and get a post up of whatever other fossil agnathan figures there are. It will be short…! And maybe the other fossil fish groups too...

And I really hope these photos work...

Fabulous set of pictures and wonderfully presented, Sean! Most are extremely realistic when compared with the real thing, I guess.
Completely off topic, have you noticed that Yowies USA released a very modern fish but rare in toy shape... the Devil's hole pupfish? Not comparable in detail witht hese masterpieces but surely interesting for a fish lover.

Roger wrote:

Fabulous set of pictures and wonderfully presented, Sean! Most are extremely realistic when compared with the real thing, I guess.
Completely off topic, have you noticed that Yowies USA released a very modern fish but rare in toy shape... the Devil's hole pupfish? Not comparable in detail witht hese masterpieces but surely interesting for a fish lover.

Roger, I had not seen that--but I'm going to need to chase it down! Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your newest pictures.  They're amazing!  The favorite arapaima in particular is a real stand out piece.  That particular species seems to be growing in popularity around the world and it's little wonder since they're so spectacular.

Bichirs are actually a new species for me, but just looking them up briefly on google, I can see why they're popular as well.  Not only do they resemble a missing link between fish and amphibians, but they have such gorgeous colors and patterns.  Your figures definitely represent the real thing very nicely.

I'm also surprised there aren't a lot of African lungfish since this is the species I first think of when I hear the "lungfish" name.  They actually do seem quite different from the Australian variety which makes me wonder if the two species are an example of convergent evolution (unrelated, but have very similar characteristics).  Very cool lamprey, too!  This one I think could be very appealing to the general public because it has the cool and scary factor going for it.

barracudacat wrote:

Thanks for sharing your newest pictures.  They're amazing!  The favorite arapaima in particular is a real stand out piece.  That particular species seems to be growing in popularity around the world and it's little wonder since they're so spectacular.

Bichirs are actually a new species for me, but just looking them up briefly on google, I can see why they're popular as well.  Not only do they resemble a missing link between fish and amphibians, but they have such gorgeous colors and patterns.  Your figures definitely represent the real thing very nicely.

I'm also surprised there aren't a lot of African lungfish since this is the species I first think of when I hear the "lungfish" name.  They actually do seem quite different from the Australian variety which makes me wonder if the two species are an example of convergent evolution (unrelated, but have very similar characteristics).  Very cool lamprey, too!  This one I think could be very appealing to the general public because it has the cool and scary factor going for it.

The lungfish are related, but the Australian is definitely more primitive, looking a lot more like some fossil species. The Afro-American ones (Lepidosireniformes, if you're fancy!) are definitely more derived; like many living things, they are what's left of an anicent and diverse group (kind of like the bichirs, the gars, the bowfin, the coelacanths, the bonytongues...!). Of the 'primtive' lineages, only the sturgeon seem to remain diverse (human influence notwithstanding); but the paddlefish are as restricted as the rest!

And, yeah, bichirs are totally my true spirit animal. I first discovered them when I was 12, and have always been facinated by them. I am guessing that they would be more familiar and popular if they originated somewhere other than the Congo river system. Keeping them in a fish tank is pretty easy, I've kept several species (and have 3 right now!).

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The lungfish are related, but the Australian is definitely more primitive, looking a lot more like some fossil species. The Afro-American ones (Lepidosireniforems, if you're fancy!) are definitely more derived; like many living things, they are what's left of an anicent and diverse group (kind of like the bichirs, the gars, the bowfin, the coelacanths, the bonytongues...!). Of the 'primtive' lineages, only the sturgeon seem to remain diverse (human influence notwithstanding); but the paddlefish are as restricted as the rest!

Very interesting information. I actually would have guessed the African variety were more primitive since their overall design and body shape, particularly the fins, looks a lot more simplistic. I had no idea the Australian ones dated that far back into prehistory, essentially unchanged. No wonder you see so much more of them. I bet they'd be interesting to observe in real life as well.

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And, yeah, bichirs are totally my true spirit animal. I first discovered them when I was 12, and have always been facinated by them. I am guessing that they would be more familiar and popular if they originated somewhere other than the Congo river system. Keeping them in a fish tank is pretty easy, I've kept several species (and have 3 right now!).

Very nice! Congratulations on owning this unique species! If they're as easy keepers as you say they are, I'm sure they'll grow in popularity. It took a long time for gars to become popular, even in the US (people seem to be all about bass and catfish here), but then again, you can't really own them unless you have a zoo.

barracudacat wrote:

Quote :

The lungfish are related, but the Australian is definitely more primitive, looking a lot more like some fossil species. The Afro-American ones (Lepidosireniforems, if you're fancy!) are definitely more derived; like many living things, they are what's left of an anicent and diverse group (kind of like the bichirs, the gars, the bowfin, the coelacanths, the bonytongues...!). Of the 'primtive' lineages, only the sturgeon seem to remain diverse (human influence notwithstanding); but the paddlefish are as restricted as the rest!

Very interesting information.  I actually would have guessed the African variety were more primitive since their overall design and body shape, particularly the fins, looks a lot more simplistic.  I had no idea the Australian ones dated that far back into prehistory, essentially unchanged.  No wonder you see so much more of them.  I bet they'd be interesting to observe in real life as well.

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And, yeah, bichirs are totally my true spirit animal. I first discovered them when I was 12, and have always been facinated by them. I am guessing that they would be more familiar and popular if they originated somewhere other than the Congo river system. Keeping them in a fish tank is pretty easy, I've kept several species (and have 3 right now!).

Very nice!  Congratulations on owning this unique species!  If they're as easy keepers as you say they are, I'm sure they'll grow in popularity.  It took a long time for gars to become popular, even in the US (people seem to be all about bass and catfish here), but then again, you can't really own them unless you have a zoo.

I've been keeping them for years--there is a small, but dedicated aquarist segment that keeps them.

Of course, I have kept gars as well. And arowana. And stingrays. But bichirs are the best (and easiest to maintain).

I LOVE this topic !!! Thankyou very much, Sean
Beautyful pictures of beautyful fishes !! And heaps of great, new information for an ignorant like me ! I learn so much

Wonderful that Barracudacat asks the questions that I didn't even know could be asked

Topics like this seem to make it more "legal" for adults to collect toy plastic model animals

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Wonderful that Barracudacat asks the questions that I didn't even know could be asked

I think it's simply because I've also been interested in prehistoric-looking fish too, particularly gars and sturgeons, since I was a child and have done a lot of research on them.  The only reason I don't collect them is simply because I never knew these fantastic figures existed until now.  Now as I mentioned, there are far too many choices.

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Of course, I have kept gars as well. And arowana. And stingrays. But bichirs are the best (and easiest to maintain).

Very nice!  It sounds like you have a zoo of your own.  I'm curious as to how you were able to keep the gars because even the smaller species still max out to about 1-2 feet long (at least the ones I'm familiar with) and they'd need to eat some sort or raw meat.  I can see now why Bichirs make better companions.

barracudacat wrote:

Quote :

Wonderful that Barracudacat asks the questions that I didn't even know could be asked

I think it's simply because I've also been interested in prehistoric-looking fish too, particularly gars and sturgeons, since I was a child and have done a lot of research on them.  The only reason I don't collect them is simply because I never knew these fantastic figures existed until now.  Now as I mentioned, there are far too many choices.

Quote :

Of course, I have kept gars as well. And arowana. And stingrays. But bichirs are the best (and easiest to maintain).

Very nice!  It sounds like you have a zoo of your own.  I'm curious as to how you were able to keep the gars because even the smaller species still max out to about 1-2 feet long (at least the ones I'm familiar with) and they'd need to eat some sort or raw meat.  I can see now why Bichirs make better companions.

First off, I kept small ones (Florida gars). And they don't grow very fast, I think mine were under 60cm. At first I had them in a 120gal wide tank (with the bichirs and arowana--and briefly, the rays). We later upgraded to a 160gal indoor pond. When we started moving around again, we found them an even larger home.

I have some adding to do—I wanted to do some posts of primitive non-bony fishes, but I decided to first post some lobe-fin models that I forgot earlier. This includes a few less-fishy animals that were in the transition from ‘fish’ to ‘amphibians’. And which give a clear idea of why categories like ‘fish’ and ‘amphibian’ can be so awkward when the transitional forms are considered!

SARCOPTERYGII—lobe-fins
OTHER EXTINCT LOBE-FINS--TETRAPODOMORPHA
Osteolepiforms

Kaiyodo recently released a few Paleozoic models, and they fit in here nicely as a little update on their original one.

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To scale with 1:24 swimmer.
Clockwise from bottom Left: Kaiyodo Dinotales S6-A Eusthenopteron; The new one! Kaiyodo CapsuleQ Paleozoic series Eusthenopteron on base ; Shapeways 3D-printed Hyneria; Kaiyodo Dinotales S6-B Eusthenopteron

Stegocephalians

A group that I skipped before (other than Tiktaalik)—these animals represent late stages of the Tetrapodomorpha, a paraphyletic group of fish-transitioning-to-land animals. Some of the latest are very amphibian-like, while early ones are more fishy. Except for a few very derived forms…as a group their forms are found in various parts of the world from the late Devonian up to, in a few forms, the late Carboniferous (or late Pennsylvanian, if you use the USGS terms).

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To scale with 1:10-ish swimmer.
On land: Starlux Ichthyostega
In the water, L-R: Kaiyodo Dinotales Series 2 Acanthostega; Yujin NHK Miracle Planet Acanthostega off of its black base; Yujin Gashapon re-issue/repaint of Acanthostega

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To scale with 1:20-ish guy.
L-R: Prehistoric Panorama Ichthyostega; Kaiyodo CapsuleQ Great Leap Forward series Ichthyostega

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To scale with 1:30-ish guys.
L-R: Shapeways grey Crassigyrinus; Play Visions ‘prehistoric amphibians’ Crassigyrinus; Shapeways white Crassigyrinus

Despite the much more aquatic niche of Crassigyrinus, this animal is actually relatively derived among the stegocephalian tetrapodomorphs.

So until next times, when the weird extinct ones like Placoderms, Acanthodiians and Agnathans make their appearance! I’ll give it at least a few days!

***BONUS MESSAGE as I'm doing this, I thought I'd mention my 'wants' thread--where I am looking for a couple of fish, including the Panini lamprey and the new Yowies pupfish. Just throwing that out there!***

Fantastic models, and very, very interesting  

So some of these Stegocephalians may actually be models of our ancestors ?

Thankyou very much for the great job you are doing presenting them    

SUSANNE wrote:

Fantastic models, and very, very interesting  

So some of these Stegocephalians may actually be models of our ancestors ?

Thankyou very much for the great job you are doing presenting them    

Thanks!

Well, they would share a common ancestor...ones like Crassigyrinus would most likely be 'dead ends' but share an ancestor with our lineage.