Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

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Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite with Fish Bone Inclusions Jurassic Coast Lyme Regis Dorset UK – Genuine Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Specimen

Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite with Fish Bone Inclusions Jurassic Coast Lyme Regis Dorset UK – Genuine Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Specimen

£12.60

Authentic Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset

This exceptional Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite (fossilised poo) originates from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Discovered by our own fossil collectors Alister and Alison on 13 September 2025, this specimen has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal remarkable internal detail and natural structure. Dating to approximately 195–200 million years ago, from the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) Stage, this fascinating specimen offers a rare glimpse into the feeding habits and biology of the ancient marine reptiles that once ruled the seas.

Geological and Scientific Context

Coprolites are fossilised faeces, providing direct evidence of ancient diets and ecosystems. This specimen was produced by an Ichthyosaur, a fast-swimming, dolphin-like marine reptile belonging to the order Ichthyosauria. Ichthyosaurs thrived in the world’s oceans during the Mesozoic Era, reaching lengths of up to 10 metres and preying upon fish, cephalopods, and other marine animals. Fossil coprolites such as this one offer unique insights into the trophic interactions and marine food chains of the Jurassic period.

The Black Ven Marls, part of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation, are internationally renowned for producing some of the finest marine fossils on Earth. These sediments were deposited in a low-energy, shallow marine environment, where fine muds and silts accumulated under oxygen-poor conditions. Such environments were perfect for preserving delicate fossils, including ammonites, marine reptiles, and rare trace fossils like coprolites. The geological setting corresponds to the Sinemurian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, a period that saw significant diversification of marine reptiles following the end-Triassic extinction.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

This specimen displays the classic morphology of an Ichthyosaur coprolite, showing a compact, cylindrical to ovoid shape with distinct textural patterns and visible internal inclusions. Within the matrix of the coprolite, you can clearly see fish bone and scale inclusions, confirming its origin from a carnivorous marine reptile. These inclusions consist of small, shiny fragments and thin plates—remnants of prey species that were not fully digested. The mineralisation process has preserved them in exquisite detail, allowing for close visual study of the Ichthyosaur’s diet.

The surface texture of the coprolite is naturally smooth, with subtle spiral and compressed features formed during the original deposition process. The internal structure, revealed through careful preparation, showcases the phosphate-rich composition typical of vertebrate faecal fossils. This mineralisation occurred as the organic material was buried in soft marine sediment and gradually replaced by calcium phosphate minerals, locking in both biological and ecological information from nearly 200 million years ago.

Geological Age and Depositional Environment

Dating to the Sinemurian Stage of the Early Jurassic, around 197 million years ago, this specimen represents a time when southern England lay beneath warm, shallow seas teeming with life. The Black Ven Marls record a unique window into this ancient world, preserving a vast diversity of marine organisms in remarkable detail. The depositional environment was characterised by low oxygen levels and slow sedimentation, which limited decay and disturbance. This allowed even fragile remains, such as coprolites, to be fossilised before they could disintegrate.

The Jurassic Coast is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its continuous geological record and outstanding palaeontological significance. Fossils from Black Ven, including Ichthyosaur bones, ammonites, and coprolites, have been collected and studied since the early 19th century, with many first described by the pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning. Each new discovery from this site continues to contribute to our understanding of life and environments in the early Jurassic seas.

Preparation and Provenance

This fossil was discovered and prepared entirely by our in-house team, ensuring full authenticity and expert care throughout the process. Alison’s delicate preparation work has exposed the fine inclusions within the coprolite while preserving its original shape and mineral integrity. The fossil has been stabilised to ensure long-term preservation and display quality. Every specimen we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological age, origin, and identification.

Each fossil is ethically collected and prepared using professional techniques to preserve natural features without artificial enhancement. This specimen represents an outstanding piece of palaeobiological evidence, ideal for collectors, researchers, or educational display.

Size and Presentation

Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing. The images show the actual specimen you will receive—not a stock image. The fossil is presented within its natural matrix, highlighting its inclusions and structural detail. Its compact size, visual contrast, and scientific importance make it suitable for both display and study.

A Rare Collector’s Specimen from the Jurassic Coast

This Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite with Fish Bone and Scale Inclusions from Black Ven, Lyme Regis, offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a genuine trace fossil revealing direct evidence of ancient marine reptile behaviour. Combining aesthetic appeal, scientific importance, and impeccable provenance, it stands as a unique and fascinating specimen from Britain’s world-famous Jurassic Coast.

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Description

Authentic Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset

This exceptional Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite (fossilised poo) originates from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Discovered by our own fossil collectors Alister and Alison on 13 September 2025, this specimen has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal remarkable internal detail and natural structure. Dating to approximately 195–200 million years ago, from the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) Stage, this fascinating specimen offers a rare glimpse into the feeding habits and biology of the ancient marine reptiles that once ruled the seas.

Geological and Scientific Context

Coprolites are fossilised faeces, providing direct evidence of ancient diets and ecosystems. This specimen was produced by an Ichthyosaur, a fast-swimming, dolphin-like marine reptile belonging to the order Ichthyosauria. Ichthyosaurs thrived in the world’s oceans during the Mesozoic Era, reaching lengths of up to 10 metres and preying upon fish, cephalopods, and other marine animals. Fossil coprolites such as this one offer unique insights into the trophic interactions and marine food chains of the Jurassic period.

The Black Ven Marls, part of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation, are internationally renowned for producing some of the finest marine fossils on Earth. These sediments were deposited in a low-energy, shallow marine environment, where fine muds and silts accumulated under oxygen-poor conditions. Such environments were perfect for preserving delicate fossils, including ammonites, marine reptiles, and rare trace fossils like coprolites. The geological setting corresponds to the Sinemurian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, a period that saw significant diversification of marine reptiles following the end-Triassic extinction.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

This specimen displays the classic morphology of an Ichthyosaur coprolite, showing a compact, cylindrical to ovoid shape with distinct textural patterns and visible internal inclusions. Within the matrix of the coprolite, you can clearly see fish bone and scale inclusions, confirming its origin from a carnivorous marine reptile. These inclusions consist of small, shiny fragments and thin plates—remnants of prey species that were not fully digested. The mineralisation process has preserved them in exquisite detail, allowing for close visual study of the Ichthyosaur’s diet.

The surface texture of the coprolite is naturally smooth, with subtle spiral and compressed features formed during the original deposition process. The internal structure, revealed through careful preparation, showcases the phosphate-rich composition typical of vertebrate faecal fossils. This mineralisation occurred as the organic material was buried in soft marine sediment and gradually replaced by calcium phosphate minerals, locking in both biological and ecological information from nearly 200 million years ago.

Geological Age and Depositional Environment

Dating to the Sinemurian Stage of the Early Jurassic, around 197 million years ago, this specimen represents a time when southern England lay beneath warm, shallow seas teeming with life. The Black Ven Marls record a unique window into this ancient world, preserving a vast diversity of marine organisms in remarkable detail. The depositional environment was characterised by low oxygen levels and slow sedimentation, which limited decay and disturbance. This allowed even fragile remains, such as coprolites, to be fossilised before they could disintegrate.

The Jurassic Coast is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its continuous geological record and outstanding palaeontological significance. Fossils from Black Ven, including Ichthyosaur bones, ammonites, and coprolites, have been collected and studied since the early 19th century, with many first described by the pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning. Each new discovery from this site continues to contribute to our understanding of life and environments in the early Jurassic seas.

Preparation and Provenance

This fossil was discovered and prepared entirely by our in-house team, ensuring full authenticity and expert care throughout the process. Alison’s delicate preparation work has exposed the fine inclusions within the coprolite while preserving its original shape and mineral integrity. The fossil has been stabilised to ensure long-term preservation and display quality. Every specimen we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological age, origin, and identification.

Each fossil is ethically collected and prepared using professional techniques to preserve natural features without artificial enhancement. This specimen represents an outstanding piece of palaeobiological evidence, ideal for collectors, researchers, or educational display.

Size and Presentation

Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing. The images show the actual specimen you will receive—not a stock image. The fossil is presented within its natural matrix, highlighting its inclusions and structural detail. Its compact size, visual contrast, and scientific importance make it suitable for both display and study.

A Rare Collector’s Specimen from the Jurassic Coast

This Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite with Fish Bone and Scale Inclusions from Black Ven, Lyme Regis, offers an extraordinary opportunity to own a genuine trace fossil revealing direct evidence of ancient marine reptile behaviour. Combining aesthetic appeal, scientific importance, and impeccable provenance, it stands as a unique and fascinating specimen from Britain’s world-famous Jurassic Coast.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

United Kingdom

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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