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24" Fossil Plesiosaur Paddle & Pelvic Bone Association - Asfla
This is a well-preserved fossil association of a partial Plesiosaur paddle and pelvic bone that was collected from the Upper Cretaceous (Early Turonian Stage) deposits of Asfla, Morocco, north of Goulmima. There are three primary species of Plesiosaur described from this area; Thililua longicollis, Manemergus anguirostris and Libonectes atlasense. It is rather difficult to place this paddle in any of the three species, so we have decided to leave it unidentified. As the paddle approaches the proximal end, the podials ("finger bones") become increasingly disarticulated. The large flat bone is the ischium, part of the pelvic girdle. Given the thickness of the femur and the presence of a portion of the pelvic girdle, this was most likely a rear paddle.
The humerus and first two digits are composites from another piece but all of the other bones are in their original position in the rock with minimal repair.
The humerus and first two digits are composites from another piece but all of the other bones are in their original position in the rock with minimal repair.
About Plesiosaurs
Plesiosaurs were a diverse group of marine reptiles that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, thriving in Earth’s oceans for more than 135 million years. Although they lived alongside dinosaurs, plesiosaurs were not dinosaurs; instead, they were fully aquatic reptiles adapted for life in open water. Their most recognizable features included broad, streamlined bodies, four powerful flippers used for underwater “flight,” and a wide range of neck lengths. Fossils of plesiosaurs have been found on every continent, including Antarctica, showing that they inhabited oceans across the globe.
This group included two main body types that filled very different ecological roles. Long-necked plesiosaurs had small heads and slender teeth suited for catching fish and squid, likely relying on stealth and precise strikes. Short-necked plesiosaurs, known as pliosaurs, evolved massive skulls and powerful jaws and became apex predators capable of hunting large prey, including other marine reptiles. Together, these forms made plesiosaurs one of the most successful and adaptable marine reptile groups in Earth’s history, dominating prehistoric seas until their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.
Plesiosaurs were a diverse group of marine reptiles that lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, thriving in Earth’s oceans for more than 135 million years. Although they lived alongside dinosaurs, plesiosaurs were not dinosaurs; instead, they were fully aquatic reptiles adapted for life in open water. Their most recognizable features included broad, streamlined bodies, four powerful flippers used for underwater “flight,” and a wide range of neck lengths. Fossils of plesiosaurs have been found on every continent, including Antarctica, showing that they inhabited oceans across the globe.
This group included two main body types that filled very different ecological roles. Long-necked plesiosaurs had small heads and slender teeth suited for catching fish and squid, likely relying on stealth and precise strikes. Short-necked plesiosaurs, known as pliosaurs, evolved massive skulls and powerful jaws and became apex predators capable of hunting large prey, including other marine reptiles. Together, these forms made plesiosaurs one of the most successful and adaptable marine reptile groups in Earth’s history, dominating prehistoric seas until their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous.
SPECIES
Unidentified Plesiosaur
LOCATION
Asfla, Morocco
SIZE
Paddle: 24" long (disarticulated), Pelvis: 10.7 x 7.2", Rock: 25.15 x 13.25"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#199981
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