It's o-fish-ial: 'Fred' is NSW emblem

NSW's newest emblem, a 370-million-year-old fish fossil has been nicknamed Fred, in honour of the man who recovered it during an excavation in 1993.

The fossil was named on Friday following a state-wide competition, after council worker Fred Fewings, who found the fossil during an excavation near Canowindra, in the state's central west.

"Mr Fewings still lives in the region and nicknaming our official state fossil emblem after him recognises his contribution to our unique geological history," Deputy Premier Troy Grant said.

Year five student Maggie Teasdale and Canowindra Public School's year three class were congratulated by the Industry Minister Anthony Roberts for suggesting the name.

More than 120 entries were submitted.

The fish fossil known as Mandageria fairfaxi, joined the waratah, kookaburra, platypus, blue groper and black opal on the list of the state's emblems in August.