Fishremains

Fishremains refers to the skeletal material and other organic remnants of fish that are preserved in archaeological or paleontological contexts. These remains can include bones, scales, teeth, otoliths (ear stones), and sometimes even preserved soft tissues depending on the depositional environment. The study of fishremains is known as ichthyology or paleoichthyology when dealing with fossilized specimens.

These remnants are invaluable for understanding past marine and freshwater ecosystems. By analyzing the types and abundance of fish species present, researchers can reconstruct dietary habits of ancient humans and animals, infer environmental conditions such as water temperature and salinity, and track changes in biodiversity over time. Fishremains found at archaeological sites often provide direct evidence of human subsistence strategies, indicating fishing practices, species targeted, and the importance of fish in ancient diets.

Otoliths, in particular, are frequently recovered due to their dense composition, which aids preservation. They can yield information about the age and growth rates of individual fish, as well as the season in which they were caught. Scales can also be analyzed for similar growth patterns. The presence of specific fish species can also be indicative of trade networks or migratory patterns. The careful excavation and analysis of fishremains contribute significantly to our understanding of both human history and the evolution of aquatic life.