Description
An impressive and scientifically significant fossil block containing a partial Hybodus shark spine and a large reptile bone, collected from the world-renowned fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. This unique specimen was discovered by our trusted field team, Alister and Alison, on 07 April 2025, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and stabilised by Alison.
This rare composite fossil originates from the Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, dating to the Rhaetian Stage of the Upper Triassic Period, approximately 208–201 million years ago. The vertebrate-rich horizons of Aust Cliff have produced a wide range of well-preserved fish, sharks, reptiles, and coprolites, making it one of the most important Late Triassic fossil sites in Britain.
The Hybodus spine represents a dermal spine (likely from the dorsal fin) of an extinct hybodont shark. It retains partial tapering morphology and ridged surface texture. The accompanying large reptile bone—likely from a marine or semi-aquatic reptile such as a placodont or early ichthyosaur—displays robust structure, mineralised surface, and in situ preservation within the matrix. This combination of taxa makes the block an extraordinary specimen for study or display.
The fossil is professionally photographed with a 1 cm scale cube. The image shows the exact specimen you will receive.
Geological & Taxonomic Information:
- Fossil Types: Partial Hybodus shark spine & large indeterminate reptile bone
- Likely Taxa: Hybodus (Hybodontiformes), indet. marine reptile
- Geological Period: Triassic
- Stage: Rhaetian (Upper Triassic)
- Formation: Westbury Formation
- Group: Penarth Group
- Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Depositional Environment: Vertebrate-rich estuarine to shallow marine basin
- Morphological Features: Tapered shark spine with ridged surface; large fossil bone with mineralisation and embedded structure
- Notable Zone: Classic coprolite and vertebrate bed at Aust Cliff
What You Receive:
- The exact specimen shown in the photos
- A Certificate of Authenticity verifying the specimen is 100% genuine
- Secure, tracked delivery with professional packaging
This fossil is ideal for collectors, researchers, and educators with an interest in rare Late Triassic marine ecosystems and vertebrate taphonomy.
Note: All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the photo for full sizing.
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