Ichthyosaur Fossil Coprolite with Fish Bones Jurassic Coast Black Ven Lyme Regis UK

Description

Specimen Overview

This exceptional specimen is a genuine Ichthyosaur fossil coprolite (fossilised excrement) recovered from the famous Black Ven Marls, Lyme Regis, Dorset, on the world-renowned Jurassic Coast. What makes this piece particularly desirable is the clear presence of visible inclusions, including fish bones and scales, preserved within the coprolite. Fossil coprolites with identifiable inclusions provide rare and direct evidence of prehistoric feeding behaviour. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with full sizing details visible. As with all of our fossils, this piece is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Formation & Provenance

The coprolite originates from Black Ven, one of the most productive and scientifically significant fossil localities along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fossil-bearing sediments belong to the Lower Lias Group, deposited during the Early Jurassic Period, approximately 199–196 million years ago. The Black Ven Marls were formed in a relatively calm offshore marine environment, where fine-grained muds accumulated on the seabed. These conditions were ideal for the preservation of delicate organic material, including coprolites and their internal contents.

Fossil Type & Biological Origin

Coprolites are fossilised faeces and represent some of the most informative trace fossils in palaeontology. This specimen is attributed to an ichthyosaur, an extinct marine reptile belonging to the Order Ichthyosauria. Ichthyosaurs were powerful predators with streamlined bodies and strong jaws adapted for capturing fish and cephalopods. Coprolites linked to ichthyosaurs often contain bone fragments and scales, providing direct insight into their diet and digestive processes in Jurassic marine ecosystems.

Morphology & Inclusions

This coprolite displays a compact, irregular form typical of marine reptile excrement that settled quickly onto the seabed. Within the fossilised mass, fish bones and scales are visibly preserved, confirming carnivorous feeding behaviour. These inclusions were resistant to digestion and became encapsulated within the coprolite before burial. The preservation of internal remains adds significant scientific and educational value, as it allows direct interpretation of predator–prey relationships rather than inference from skeletal remains alone.

Depositional Environment & Fossilisation

During the Early Jurassic, the region now forming Dorset was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with life. Ichthyosaurs thrived in this environment, feeding extensively on fish. After being expelled, faecal material sank rapidly and was buried by fine muds on the seabed. Over millions of years, mineralisation transformed this organic material into stone, preserving both the coprolite and its internal inclusions. Black Ven is especially well known for producing well-preserved coprolites due to its favourable sedimentary conditions.

Scientific & Collecting Significance

Ichthyosaur coprolites from Lyme Regis and Black Ven are highly regarded for their scientific importance. Unlike skeletal fossils, coprolites provide direct evidence of behaviour, diet, and ecosystem dynamics. Specimens containing visible inclusions such as fish bones and scales are particularly sought after by collectors, educators, and museums. Fossils from Black Ven are internationally recognised for their reliable provenance and stratigraphic integrity, making this a highly credible and desirable piece.

Display, Care & Authenticity

This fossil is ideal for display in a private collection, educational setting, or natural history cabinet, offering both visual interest and behavioural insight into Jurassic marine life. The specimen has been carefully cleaned to reveal natural features, with no artificial enhancement or reconstruction. You will receive the exact fossil shown, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological origin and genuine nature.

A rare and scientifically informative trace fossil, this Ichthyosaur coprolite with fish bone and scale inclusions from the Black Ven Marls represents an authentic and fascinating piece of Early Jurassic marine history from the Jurassic Coast.