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The archaeological and historical heritage of Age of Fishes Museum


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The Age of Fishes Museum is one of only two fish fossil museums in the world and is a National Heritage site due to its international scientific significance.[1] Located in Canowindra, New South Wales, Australia, it was established in 1998.[2] The museum houses a huge collection of Devonian fish fossils found in the Canowindra area and a live aquarium.

Back in 1955 roadworks near Canowindra uncovered a large rock slab covered with unusual impressions, which was then placed to the side of the road whilst roadworks continued.[2][3] A local apiarist later found this slab, believed it to contain fossils, and contacted the Australian Museum about it. Paleontologist Dr Alex Ritchie led a dig at the site of the initial fossil discovery. That dig led to the removal of 70 tonnes of rock slab and revealed over 3,000 fish fossils from the Devonian period. The dig site has led to several new discoveries and tells the story of events that occurred over 360 million years ago.[4]

  • Canowindra, Australia

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