b11864023_2

Simia marina (sea monkey)

[1558]

Unknown (artist)

Woodblock prints

"Although Gessner called it Simia marina (sea monkey) this is probably a drawing of a dried specimen of a cartilaginous fish known as a chimaera. The prominent dorsal spine, big eye, and rat-like tail are characteristics of the chimaeras, but unlike sharks, they do not have visible gill slits." - Richard Ellis, research associate in the Division of Paleontology at AMNH, Natural Histories

Ichthyology

AMNH Library: De aquatilibus from Gessner's Historiae animalium, Konrad Gessner, [1558]

AMNH Library catalog record: De aquatilibus from Gessner's Historiae animalium

Featured in: Natural histories: extraordinary rare book selections from the American Museum of Natural History Library, edited by Tom Baione. New York : Sterling Signature, c2012.

American Museum of Natural History Library

Information on rights available at the repository.

Barcode Number: 100113578

American Museum of Natural History