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9.6" Fossil Pliosaur (Brachauchenius?) Vertebrae - Asfla, Morocco
This is a section of rock that contains four fossil pliosaur vertebrae, collected from the Upper Cretaceous (Early Turonian Stage) deposits of Asfla, Morocco, north of Goulmima. Based on size and somewhat articulated fashion of the vertebrae, it's likely they are from the same animal. They have been exposed from the rock and are upside down, with cross sections of the spinous processes visible along the underside of the specimen. The entire specimen measures 9.6 x 5 x 4.2" and the base of the rock has been cut flat for presentation.
There is one described pliosaur from this area; Brachauchenius lucasi, a species known to have inhabited the Western Inland Sea of North America and the coastline of Europe and Western Africa. While we can't be certain these vertebrae are from Brachauchenius lucasi due to lack of identified bone material, the likelihood of this being the species is fairly high considering no other pliosaur species have been documented from this location.
There is one described pliosaur from this area; Brachauchenius lucasi, a species known to have inhabited the Western Inland Sea of North America and the coastline of Europe and Western Africa. While we can't be certain these vertebrae are from Brachauchenius lucasi due to lack of identified bone material, the likelihood of this being the species is fairly high considering no other pliosaur species have been documented from this location.
About Pliosaurs
A pliosaur is a type of marine reptile belonging to the broader group known as plesiosaurs, distinguished by its short neck, massive skull, and powerful jaws. Unlike their long-necked relatives, pliosaurs evolved a compact, muscular neck that supported an enormous head armed with thick, conical teeth designed for gripping and tearing prey. They lived during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods and were fully adapted to life in the open ocean, using four large flippers to “fly” through the water with exceptional speed and control.
A realistic paleoart of a massive pliosaur swimming through a sunlit prehistoric ocean
Pliosaurs were among the apex predators of prehistoric seas, occupying a role similar to modern killer whales or great white sharks. Fossil evidence shows that they fed on large fish, ammonites, sharks, and even other marine reptiles, including long-necked plesiosaurs. Some of the largest pliosaurs reached lengths of over 35 feet (10+ meters), making them some of the most powerful predatory vertebrates ever to inhabit Earth’s oceans.
A pliosaur is a type of marine reptile belonging to the broader group known as plesiosaurs, distinguished by its short neck, massive skull, and powerful jaws. Unlike their long-necked relatives, pliosaurs evolved a compact, muscular neck that supported an enormous head armed with thick, conical teeth designed for gripping and tearing prey. They lived during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous periods and were fully adapted to life in the open ocean, using four large flippers to “fly” through the water with exceptional speed and control.
Pliosaurs were among the apex predators of prehistoric seas, occupying a role similar to modern killer whales or great white sharks. Fossil evidence shows that they fed on large fish, ammonites, sharks, and even other marine reptiles, including long-necked plesiosaurs. Some of the largest pliosaurs reached lengths of over 35 feet (10+ meters), making them some of the most powerful predatory vertebrates ever to inhabit Earth’s oceans.
SPECIES
Brachauchenius lucasi?
LOCATION
Asfla, Near Goulmima, Morocco
SIZE
Entire Specimen: 9.6 x 5 x 4.2"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#328650
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