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30" Fossil Plesiosaur (Thililua?) Dorsal Vertebrae - Asfla, Morocco
This is a section of rock that contains a string of 17 fossil plesiosaur dorsal vertebrae, collected from the Upper Cretaceous (Early Turonian Stage) deposits of Asfla, Morocco, north of Goulmima. They are all well preserved in articulated fashion and feature intact processes. The entire specimen measures 30 x 8.8 x 5" and is accompanied by a metal display stand.
There are three species of plesiosaur described from this area; Thililua longicollis, Libonectes atlasense, and Manemergus anguirostris. Based on the size of these vertebrae and amount of material collected, Thililua longicollis appears to be a good potential candidate for the species.
The vertebrae have not been repositioned or adjusted, but instead have been exposed from the rock they were found in. The spinous processes, transverse processes, and centrums are all natural. Most of the completely exposed transverse processes have has some form of repair or gap fill restoration. The cross sections of the unexposed processes can be seen on the backside of the specimen.
There are three species of plesiosaur described from this area; Thililua longicollis, Libonectes atlasense, and Manemergus anguirostris. Based on the size of these vertebrae and amount of material collected, Thililua longicollis appears to be a good potential candidate for the species.
The vertebrae have not been repositioned or adjusted, but instead have been exposed from the rock they were found in. The spinous processes, transverse processes, and centrums are all natural. Most of the completely exposed transverse processes have has some form of repair or gap fill restoration. The cross sections of the unexposed processes can be seen on the backside of the specimen.
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
Thililua longicollis?
LOCATION
Asfla, Near Goulmima, Morocco
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 30 x 8.8 x 5"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#344930
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