When dealing with postcranial remains, how does one tell the difference between Gillicus and Icthyodectes? Can you tell with the vertebrae lie with Enchodus vs Cimolicthys? I'm prepping out a donor specemin for casting (recovering pectoral fins, pelvic fins, and vertrbrae, plus any epineurals or other intact spines I can find) to complete a body for our 3D Icthyodectes reconstruction (skull finished).

Personally, I'm not certain that anyone would notice if there were Gillicus verts. The sooner that I get this done, though, the sooner I can work on finishing the other 4-5 fish restos that we're trying to get done (Megalocoelocanthus, Protosphyreana, Enchodus, Cimolicthys). That being said, the donor specemin is pretty nicely preserved for a disarticulated pile of bones.

Pile o' bones!

eegads! Well, Unfortunatly, I have not had any experience with fish postcrania reconstructions. I am just now getting into the fish world with my new reoprt for the national park service. I just hit the 30 park mark last night (parks that are known to have fossil fish)!

Sorry I can't help :(

Hahah! Welcome to my world, bending my brain around a new kind of animal a few times per week.

I doubt people will notice too much if I end up using Gillicus verts as a substitute. It will still be more accurate than anything available, and I like to make my skeletons as accurate as possible.