Ichthyosaur Paddle Bones Fossil Jurassic Coast Charmouth Dorset COA Genuine UK Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Lyme Regis Marine Reptile

Description

Genuine Ichthyosaur Paddle Bones Fossil

This listing is for a genuine fossil Ichthyosaur paddle bone specimen from the famous Jurassic Coast of Dorset, UK. Ichthyosaurs were extinct marine reptiles that lived in the oceans during the Mesozoic Era, and their remains are among the most iconic fossils found along the Charmouth and Lyme Regis coastline. This carefully chosen fossil contains paddle bone material from an Ichthyosaur, offering a fascinating and highly collectable connection to one of the great marine predators of the Jurassic seas.

The photo shows the actual specimen you will receive. Full sizing and scale details can be seen in the photo, allowing you to assess the fossil’s appearance, proportions, and display quality before purchase.

Locality and Geological Formation

This fossil comes from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias on the Jurassic Coast, in the Charmouth and Lyme Regis area of Dorset, UK. This coastline is internationally recognised for its exceptional Early Jurassic fossils, particularly marine reptiles, ammonites, belemnites, fossil fish, crinoids, and other remains from an ancient marine environment.

The Black Ven Marls are part of the Lower Lias succession and were deposited in a shallow Jurassic sea. Fine muds and sediments accumulated on the sea floor, creating the conditions needed to preserve bones, shells, and other remains over millions of years. The dark mudstones and marls of this area are especially well known for producing Ichthyosaur material, making this a desirable fossil from a classic British fossil locality.

About Ichthyosaurs

Ichthyosaurs were highly adapted marine reptiles with streamlined bodies, large eyes, powerful tails, and limbs modified into paddle-like flippers. Their paddle bones formed part of the forelimbs or hindlimbs used for steering and stability while swimming. Unlike land reptiles, the limb bones of ichthyosaurs became shortened, broadened, and arranged into strong, compact paddles suited to life in the water.

These animals were active swimmers and predators, feeding on fish, squid-like cephalopods, and other marine prey. Their fossils help show how reptiles evolved to thrive in open marine environments, with body forms that closely resemble modern dolphins in overall shape, despite being completely unrelated.

Fossil Features and Display Appeal

This fossil is a genuine piece of Ichthyosaur paddle bone material, preserved from the ancient Jurassic marine deposits of Dorset. Paddle bone fossils are especially interesting because they represent the specialised swimming limbs of these remarkable reptiles. The specimen has been carefully selected for its educational, scientific, and display value, making it suitable for collectors, fossil enthusiasts, natural history displays, teaching collections, and anyone with an interest in British Jurassic fossils.

As with many genuine fossils from the Black Ven Marls, the piece may show natural surface texture, matrix, mineralisation, and signs of ancient preservation. These natural characteristics are part of the fossil’s authenticity and help reflect its geological origin.

Discovery, Preparation and Authenticity

Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on the Jurassic Coast. It has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to help preserve and present the fossil while retaining its natural character.

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. All our fossils are selected with care, and the specimen shown in the photograph is the exact fossil you will receive. This makes it a reliable and attractive addition to any fossil collection, whether you are a beginner, an experienced collector, or purchasing a unique natural history gift.