Reviews
17" Fossil Mosasaur Jaw From Laayoune, Morocco - New Location
This is an impressive, 17" long fossil mosasaur left mandible (lower jaw) section, retaining its original teeth, collected from the phosphate deposits near Laâyoune, Morocco.
What makes this specimen particularly intriguing is its unusual provenance. The phosphate deposits near Laâyoune lie several hundred kilometers south of the famous Oulad Abdoun Basin, which has yielded the vast majority of the mosasaur fossils commercially available from Morocco. This is the first mosasaur material we have encountered from this locality, making it an especially interesting specimen. As we have been unable to locate any published descriptions of mosasaur remains from these deposits, we have conservatively left the species identification undetermined.
The jaw was recovered in a fragmented state and has undergone extensive repair, including the repair of numerous fractures and gap filling to reconstruct its original form. All of the teeth exhibit repaired cracks, and some are incomplete. Despite these repairs, the specimen retains an impressive overall presentation, with much of its original dentition preserved.
An acrylic display stand is included to support and showcase this unique fossil Mosasaur jaw.
What makes this specimen particularly intriguing is its unusual provenance. The phosphate deposits near Laâyoune lie several hundred kilometers south of the famous Oulad Abdoun Basin, which has yielded the vast majority of the mosasaur fossils commercially available from Morocco. This is the first mosasaur material we have encountered from this locality, making it an especially interesting specimen. As we have been unable to locate any published descriptions of mosasaur remains from these deposits, we have conservatively left the species identification undetermined.
The jaw was recovered in a fragmented state and has undergone extensive repair, including the repair of numerous fractures and gap filling to reconstruct its original form. All of the teeth exhibit repaired cracks, and some are incomplete. Despite these repairs, the specimen retains an impressive overall presentation, with much of its original dentition preserved.
An acrylic display stand is included to support and showcase this unique fossil Mosasaur jaw.
About Mosasaurs
Mosasaurs were large, carnivorous marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 90 to 66 million years ago. Though often mistaken for dinosaurs, they were actually more closely related to modern monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon. Over time, their ancestors transitioned from land to sea, evolving paddle-like flippers, streamlined bodies, and powerful tails that made them highly efficient swimmers. Some species developed crescent-shaped, shark-like tail fins that allowed for strong, sustained propulsion through open water. Sizes varied widely, with many species measuring 20 to 30 feet long, while the largest—such as Mosasaurus hoffmannii—may have exceeded 50 feet in length.
As apex predators, mosasaurs occupied the top of the marine food chain. Their long jaws were lined with sharp, conical teeth ideal for gripping slippery prey, and fossil evidence shows they fed on fish, sharks, ammonites, seabirds, and even other mosasaurs. Despite their fully aquatic lifestyle, mosasaurs were air-breathing reptiles and had to surface regularly, much like modern whales. They thrived in oceans around the world until the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago, which wiped out the dinosaurs and many marine reptiles, bringing the age of mosasaurs to an end.
Mosasaurs were large, carnivorous marine reptiles that lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 90 to 66 million years ago. Though often mistaken for dinosaurs, they were actually more closely related to modern monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon. Over time, their ancestors transitioned from land to sea, evolving paddle-like flippers, streamlined bodies, and powerful tails that made them highly efficient swimmers. Some species developed crescent-shaped, shark-like tail fins that allowed for strong, sustained propulsion through open water. Sizes varied widely, with many species measuring 20 to 30 feet long, while the largest—such as Mosasaurus hoffmannii—may have exceeded 50 feet in length.
As apex predators, mosasaurs occupied the top of the marine food chain. Their long jaws were lined with sharp, conical teeth ideal for gripping slippery prey, and fossil evidence shows they fed on fish, sharks, ammonites, seabirds, and even other mosasaurs. Despite their fully aquatic lifestyle, mosasaurs were air-breathing reptiles and had to surface regularly, much like modern whales. They thrived in oceans around the world until the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago, which wiped out the dinosaurs and many marine reptiles, bringing the age of mosasaurs to an end.
$1,395
SPECIES
Unidentified
LOCATION
Near Laayoune, Morocco
FORMATION
Likely Bou Craa Phosphate Deposits
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 17 x 3.6"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#353161
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