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27.2" Fossil Plesiosaur Paddle & Coracoid - Asfla, Morocco
This is a well-preserved two piece fossil of a partial Plesiosaur paddle and coracoid 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. This specimen is quite interesting because it comes in two parts and allows for a glimpse into how the paddle moved. The paddle is absolutely massive and it only contains four of the average fifteen digits that comprise most paddles. The larger flat bone is the coracoid, the posterior section of the two plates that make up the plesiosaur's shoulder. It is the joint where the scapula and coracoid meet that the paddle articulated for propulsion.
Both fossils show signs of crack repair and gap fill restoration. This is to be expected because of the immensity of the bones. The pieces are professionally restored to ensure lasting integrity. It is an overall fun piece and would look good in any collection. Plesiosaur paddles, even semi-partials such as this, don't come along often and shouldn't be passed up.
This fossil is partially exposed from the rock it was found in and comes with a metal stand for each of the two parts.
Both fossils show signs of crack repair and gap fill restoration. This is to be expected because of the immensity of the bones. The pieces are professionally restored to ensure lasting integrity. It is an overall fun piece and would look good in any collection. Plesiosaur paddles, even semi-partials such as this, don't come along often and shouldn't be passed up.
This fossil is partially exposed from the rock it was found in and comes with a metal stand for each of the two parts.
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: 27.2 x 9", Coracoid: 18.2 x 11.4"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#199983
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