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5.9" Fossil Plesiosaur (Thililua?) Cervical Vertebra - Asfla, Morocco
This is a nicely preserved fossil Plesiosaur cervical vertebra that was collected from the Upper Cretaceous (Early Turonian Stage) deposits of Asfla, Morocco, north of Goulmima. There are two species of Plesiosaur described from this area; Thililua longicollis and Manemergus anguirostris. Based on the size of this vertebra and amount of material that has been collected, Thililua appears to be a good potential candidate for the species.
There is a repaired crack at the base of the spinous process, with gap fill restoration continuing down to the pedicles. There are also repaired cracks through the spinous process where it was found broken within the rock. One of the processes that articulated with the cervical ribs is partial, but present.
There is a repaired crack at the base of the spinous process, with gap fill restoration continuing down to the pedicles. There are also repaired cracks through the spinous process where it was found broken within the rock. One of the processes that articulated with the cervical ribs is partial, but present.
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, Morocco
SIZE
5.9 x 3.3"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#166010
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