The skeleton is an internal support structure composed of many individual, rigid organs called bones. Bones serve to provide movement of the body (in tandem with muscles and cartilage), as well as to protect internal organs and produce the hematocytes (blood cells) that deliver oxygen and fight infectious diseases. The earliest skeletons developed with the evolution of the first primitive fishes, having first evolved a spine from what was once a flexible notochord. From there, vertebrates (animals with a backbone) would evolve a number of different body styles, though always maintaining the same basic skeletal structure: 1 head, 1 body, 2 arms, 2 legs, and 1 tail. In time, some creatures would adapt in ways to reduce these body parts if the parts in question were no longer subject to necessary selection pressures that came with a changing environment. Examples would include the vestigial femurs of whales that remain in their bodies, or the curved coccyx bone of humans from which there was once a tail (though the coccyx has evolved to provide other functions as well). In rare occasions the bones of deceased animals can become fossils if the environmental conditions are right.
$65.00
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-Vial Size: 5"L x 2&3/8"W -Species: Lepomis macrochirus -Notes: A fantastic specimen with excellent detail. This fish is also commonly known as bream, brim, and copper nose. -Location: USA (east of the Rocky Mountains) and northern Mexico (with distribution to other parts of North America, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and various parts of...
$30.00
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-Vial Size: 1&3/4"L x 5/8"W -Species: Species undetermined -Notes: A fantastic two-toned specimen. You will receive a different specimen of the same amazing quality. -Location: Global distribution
$80.00
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-Vial Size: 2&6/8"L x 3/4"W -Species: Hippocampus sp. -Notes: A fantastic specimen that displays the odd armor-like bones of this bony fish. You will receive a different specimen of the same amazing quality. -Location: Global distribution
$300.00
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-Display box size: 12.6"L x 7.5"W x 7.6"H -Species: Sphyraena barracuda -Notes: A fantastic skull of one of the ocean's most voracious predators. The display box features a mirrored backing. -Location: Atlantic, Indian & Pacific Oceans This item can not be sent outside of the USA.
$180.00
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-Shadow box Size: 10"L x 8"W -Species: Zanclus cornutus -Notes: The Moorish Idol is named for the Moors of northern Africa and southern Europe and, according to legend, was thought to bring happiness. This fish is also featured in the film Finding Nemo, in the character of "Gill." -Location: Indian...
$300.00
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-Shadow box Size: 15&1/2"L x 12&1/2"W x 2&1/4" deep. -Species: Haemulon plumierri -Notes: A large and perfect skeleton with fine teeth. -Location: Western Atlantic Ocean This item can not be sent outside of the USA.