Ancient fossil shown at Azusa library

Fifteen million years after the angler fish settled at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean....

  Fifteen million years after the angler fish settled at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, which once covered Azusa in thousands of feet of water, it's become a celebrity of sorts. The rare fossil, which was unearthed during land grading at the Rosedale housing development site late last year, is being displayed at the Azusa City Library through mid-September. "History is so important in this community," said Albert Tovar, library director. "This is one city that does cherish and put a lot of importance in its history." Tovar said the display, entitled "When Azusa was under the ocean," will be accompanied by books about paleontology, archaeology, fossils and geology. "It provides a good platform for learning," he said. "We didn't know this was all ocean," said Molly Ayala, 18, of Azusa. "That was really cool to find out," added Candace Weir, 14, also of Azusa. Angelique Peregrino, 13, of West Covina said learning about the ancient fish inspired her to learn more about paleontology. "I think it would be interesting, to go find fossils and dig them out," she said. "I think it would be fun, getting dirty for a living." spokesman Martin Quiroz said that after the library exhibit is over, the fossil will be lent for study, but the city will retain ownership. He said the fossil may go to UCLA's Fowler Museum for further research and display, like Tongva/Gabrielino Native-American artifacts that were also found at the Rosedale project site last year. Tovar said he hopes the display helps Azusans see the bigger pictures of their local history. "It all connects, we're part of something," he said. "Once you begin to see these links you really begin to see where you fit in this whole area and world." The fossil was discovered by a team of scientists from Cogstone Resource Management Inc., who monitored the site and preserve fossils and relics found during the development process. Scientists said because angler fish are small and delicate, there are only a handful of similar fossils throughout the world. bethania.palma@sgvn.com