EXCEPTIONALLY RARE Ichthyosaurus Skull & Jaw with Teeth (Stenopterygius) – Museum Grade Posidonia Shale Fossil – Holzmaden, Germany – Jurassic Toarcian

Description

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE MUSEUM-GRADE ICHTHYOSAUR SKULL & JAW WITH TEETH (Stenopterygius)

This stunning and exceptionally preserved Ichthyosaurus skull and jaw section, complete with visible teeth, is a museum-grade specimen of Stenopterygius from the world-famous Posidonia Shale (Posidonienschiefer) of Holzmaden, Swabian Jura, Stuttgart, Germany. Dated to the Toarcian Stage of the Lower Jurassic (Upper Lias), approximately 182 million years ago, this fossil is a remarkable piece of paleontological history.

Fossil Details:

• Species: Stenopterygius sp.
• Type: Ichthyosaurus skull and jaw with teeth
• Age: Lower Jurassic, Toarcian Stage (Upper Lias)
• Formation: Posidonia Shale (Posidonienschiefer)
• Location: Holzmaden, Swabian Jura, Stuttgart, Germany
• Depositional Environment: Anoxic marine basin preserving exceptional soft-tissue and skeletal details
• Morphological Features: Distinct cranial elements and dentition, showing classic Stenopterygius elongated rostrum and conical teeth adapted for piscivory
• Notable: Complete jaw articulation and natural bone preservation typical of Holzmaden conservation lagerstätten
• Scale: Scale rule in photo; 1cm squares/cube for full sizing reference

Geological Context: The Posidonia Shale of Holzmaden is one of the most renowned fossil sites in the world, known for its exceptional preservation of marine reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. The fine-grained, anoxic sediment allowed for exquisite detail to be retained, making fossils from this locality highly sought after by collectors and museums alike.

Additional Information:

• All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Full mounting plates included for optional wall hanging display.
• The fossil you see in the photo is the exact specimen you will receive.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Order: Ichthyosauria
• Superfamily: Ichthyosauroidea
• Family: Stenopterygiidae
• Genus: Stenopterygius

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a piece of marine reptile history from one of the most famous fossil deposits in the world. Perfect for serious collectors, educational institutions, or as a unique statement piece in any collection.