Now on exhibit in Corning Gallery
Did you know that a tropical sea covered Northeast Ohio about 360 million years ago?
In 1867, an amateur collector found the first fossils of Dunkleosteus terrelli, a giant predatory fish that swam Ohio’s ancient sea, in the shale cliffs along Lake Erie. In the century that followed, Cleveland Museum of Natural History scientists unearthed an extraordinary number of Dunkleosteus fossils from the rock layer known as the Cleveland Shale, allowing them to study this prehistoric fish in amazing detail.
As a result of these discoveries, the Museum is one of the premier places to learn about Dunkleosteus terrelli and Ohio’s ancient ecosystem. In honor of its significance to the region, the species was named Ohio’s state fossil fish in 2021.
Through field and laboratory notes, fossils, 3D models, and more, this special exhibit shares the fascinating story of Dunkleosteus, its connection to the Museum, and the early explorers of the Cleveland Shale.
Discovering Dunkleosteus terrelli is included with general admission.
Thanks to the support of A. Chace and Josephine Anderson, this exhibit includes an impressive cast of an adult Dunkleosteus terrelli skull that was originally created for and displayed in the Ohio Statehouse following Dunk's designation as Ohio's state fossil fish.
