Fossil Plesiosaur Cryptoclidus Dorsal Vertebra Oxford Clay Jurassic Peterborough UK Nearly Complete Specimen SKU P01083

Description

Fossil Identification

This listing presents a nearly complete plesiosaur dorsal vertebra identified as Cryptoclidus. The specimen comes from the Oxford Clay Formation at Peterborough in the UK and is assigned to the Jurassic. Its combination of recognisable plesiosaur identification, vertebral anatomy and documented geological context makes it an appealing addition to a fossil collection, natural history display or educational study set.

The supplied identification is Fossil Plesiosaur (Cryptoclidus) Dorsal Vertebra. As a dorsal vertebra, this fossil represents one of the vertebrae from the trunk region of the animal’s backbone. Vertebrae are important elements for understanding the skeletal structure and body plan of extinct reptiles, and a nearly complete example can provide a clear focus for examining fossil anatomy.

Geological Context

The specimen is recorded from the Oxford Clay Formation, a well-known Jurassic geological unit associated with fossil discoveries in the Peterborough area of the UK. The Jurassic Period is widely recognised for its diverse marine reptile fauna, and the Oxford Clay Formation is particularly important to palaeontology because it preserves a range of Jurassic fossil material. This geological setting adds useful context for collectors interested in Jurassic fossils and the marine reptile record.

The locality information supplied for this fossil is Peterborough, UK. The stated formation and period are included as part of the specimen’s product information, providing a clear framework for display labels, collection cataloguing and educational reference. No additional locality, stratigraphic or measurement details are asserted beyond the supplied information.

Collector and Display Interest

A Cryptoclidus dorsal vertebra offers a distinctive alternative to more commonly displayed fossil fragments. Its identification connects the specimen with plesiosaurs, while the dorsal vertebra designation gives it a specific anatomical role rather than a general or unidentified fossil description. The nearly complete condition is an important feature for collectors who value readable form and identifiable fossil anatomy.

This fossil can be displayed as a standalone geological specimen or incorporated into a broader Jurassic, marine reptile, vertebrate palaeontology or Oxford Clay Formation collection. It is also suitable for educational settings where the specimen can support discussion of fossil identification, vertebral anatomy, Jurassic geology and the preservation of extinct animals.

Certificate and Product Reference

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

SKU: P01083

The product group is Fossil. The specimen-specific information provided for this listing is: Oxford Clay Formation, Jurassic: Peterborough, UK. Product notes: Nearly complete.