A fossilized fish scale is commonly referred to as a fish scale fossil. When the scales of a fish become fossilized, they undergo a process of mineral replacement, where the original organic material is replaced by minerals over time. This mineralization preserves the structure and shape of the scale, resulting in a durable and fossilized specimen. Fish scale fossils are important for understanding the diversity, morphology, and evolution of ancient fish species. They can provide insights into the size, shape, and pattern of scales, which are used in identifying and classifying different fish taxa. Fish scale fossils can be found in various sedimentary rocks, often in fossil-rich deposits or in locations that were once submerged in ancient marine or freshwater environments.