Ichthyosaur Bone Fossil Reptile Lower Lias Jurassic Coast Black Ven Lyme Regis Dorset UK

Description

Ichthyosaur Bone Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This genuine Ichthyosaur Bone Fossil was discovered at the world-renowned fossil locality of Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK, part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. The specimen was found by our field team members Alister and Alison on 11 November 2025, and has been carefully cleaned, professionally prepared, and stabilised by Alison. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube included to provide accurate sizing. As with all our fossils, this piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming it as a 100% genuine specimen collected and prepared by our own team.

Species Overview: Ichthyosauria – Early Jurassic Marine Reptiles

Ichthyosaurs belonged to the order Ichthyosauria, a lineage of highly specialised marine reptiles that dominated the oceans throughout the Early Jurassic. Their fish-like body plan, hydrodynamic shape, and powerful tail fins allowed them to move through the water with remarkable speed and agility. Large eyes provided keen vision in deeper or dimly lit waters, and their elongated snouts were lined with conical teeth suited to catching fish, ammonites, and squid-like belemnites.

The bone offered here represents a real anatomical component from one of these ancient predators. Ichthyosaur bones vary in form depending on their function—ribs, vertebrae, limb elements, and skull structures all carry distinctive features. This specimen displays the dense, compact texture and natural curvature characteristic of Early Jurassic ichthyosaur skeletal structure. Its preservation reflects the exceptional fossilisation conditions of the Black Ven Marls.

Geological Setting: Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias

This fossil was preserved within the Black Ven Marls, a well-known sequence within the Lower Lias Group deposited during the Hettangian–Sinemurian stages of the Early Jurassic, approximately 196–190 million years ago. These marls and laminated mudstones formed in a low-energy, offshore marine basin. Fine sedimentation and reduced oxygen levels created ideal conditions for the preservation of marine reptile remains.

Black Ven is one of the most famous palaeontological sites in the world, historically explored by Mary Anning and subsequent generations of fossil collectors. Continuous coastal erosion exposes new material each year, making the area a rich and ever-changing deposit of ammonites, belemnites, fish remains, and marine reptile bones like the one offered here.

Morphological Features and Notable Traits

This ichthyosaur bone shows several distinct characteristics typical of Early Jurassic marine reptile anatomy:

• Dense bone structure, adapted to withstand strong muscular forces during swimming
• Natural curvature and shaping, indicating structural reinforcement
• Fine surface details, including growth patterns and subtle textural variations
• Mineralisation consistent with Lower Lias preservation, giving the bone stability and clarity

The fossil provides valuable insight into the anatomy of ichthyosaurs, whose skeletons combined strength and flexibility to support their role as top predators. The preserved structural features showcase the evolutionary adaptations that allowed these reptiles to thrive in ancient seas.

Depositional Environment and Palaeobiological Importance

The Early Jurassic seas covering what is now Dorset were warm, nutrient-rich, and teeming with life. Ichthyosaurs occupied the upper levels of this ecosystem as swift predators. The Black Ven Marls accumulated in relatively deep, quiet marine waters where low oxygen levels limited scavenger activity and slowed decomposition. These conditions played a major role in preserving vertebrate material, from delicate fish bones to robust ichthyosaur elements such as this one.

The combination of fine sediment and anoxic conditions resulted in high-quality fossil preservation. This bone offers a direct connection to the marine ecosystems that existed shortly after the Triassic–Jurassic extinction, at a time when ichthyosaurs flourished and diversified.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

This ichthyosaur bone is an excellent specimen for collectors, palaeontology enthusiasts, and educators. Its provenance from the famous Black Ven section of the Jurassic Coast makes it especially desirable, while its strong preservation ensures clear anatomical features suitable for both display and study. The expert preparation by Alison highlights its natural form without compromising authenticity.

Whether showcased as part of a marine reptile collection or admired as a standalone piece, this fossil offers a compelling glimpse into the ancient oceans that once covered southern England.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.