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

Description

Authentic Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil

This listing presents a genuine Ichthyosaur vertebra fossil sourced from the world-famous Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias, Jurassic Coast: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Formed during the Early Jurassic Period (around 190–200 million years ago), this vertebra once belonged to a powerful marine reptile that dominated the oceans of its time.

Your specimen was discovered by our expert field team, Alister and Alison, on the 15th of September 2025, and subsequently cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison to highlight its natural details while preserving its integrity. The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Each fossil is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological and Palaeontological Context

The Black Ven Marls are renowned worldwide for their exceptional fossil content. These deposits belong to the Lower Lias Group, part of the Early Jurassic sequence that makes up the celebrated Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. The marls and clays accumulated in calm, shallow marine environments where fine sediments preserved delicate skeletal structures in remarkable detail.

Fossils from this region are especially important to palaeontologists, as they provide a unique window into Early Jurassic marine ecosystems. Alongside ichthyosaurs, the Black Ven Marls yield ammonites, belemnites, and marine invertebrates, all preserved in association with their original depositional environment.

About Ichthyosaurs

Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles of the order Ichthyosauria, which evolved during the Triassic and thrived throughout the Jurassic. Their streamlined, dolphin-like bodies and large eyes made them well-adapted to life in the ocean. Although they were reptiles, they were fully aquatic, giving birth to live young at sea rather than returning to land.

These formidable predators fed on fish, squid, and other marine life. With lengths ranging from a few metres to over 20 metres in some species, ichthyosaurs were among the most successful marine reptiles of their age. Their fossils remain scientifically significant for understanding both evolutionary biology and Jurassic marine environments.

Morphological Features of the Vertebra

This fossilised vertebra exhibits classic ichthyosaur features:

• Disc-shaped centrum with concave surfaces (amphicoelous structure), typical of ichthyosaur vertebrae.
• Well-defined bone texture, revealing fine preservation detail.
• Natural coloration and fossilisation from the Black Ven Marls, with a solid and stable structure.

Such fossils are sought after not only for their scientific relevance but also for their display appeal, making them ideal for collectors and educational collections.

Collector and Historical Importance

The Lyme Regis and Charmouth area holds a special place in palaeontological history, being the location where many of the earliest ichthyosaur discoveries were made by pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning in the early 19th century. Specimens from this stretch of the Jurassic Coast remain highly desirable among collectors due to their association with this rich history.

Owning an ichthyosaur vertebra from these beds offers both scientific value and a direct connection to one of the most important fossil localities in the world.

A Unique Piece of Natural History

This Ichthyosaur vertebra fossil represents more than a relic of the Jurassic seas—it is a tangible fragment of Earth’s evolutionary story. Professionally prepared, fully authentic, and with provenance from the celebrated Jurassic Coast, it will make a significant addition to any fossil collection, museum display, or educational resource.

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