Ichthyosaur Vertebrae Fossil | Kimmeridge Clay Jurassic | Wyke Regis Dorset UK | Authentic Prehistoric Reptile Fossil

Description

This listing features a genuine Ichthyosaur Vertebrae Fossil from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation, a world-famous Jurassic deposit located at Wyke Regis, Dorset, UK, part of the renowned Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

This specific specimen was discovered on 23 April 2024 by our in-house field collectors Alister and Alison and has been professionally cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison to ensure optimal display and preservation. The photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive, accompanied by a 1cm scale cube for size reference.

All of our fossils come with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing their provenance and scientific integrity.

Fossil Details:

• Specimen: Ichthyosaur Vertebra
• Fossil Type: Vertebral centrum (likely amphicoelous)
• Location Found: Wyke Regis, Dorset, England, UK
• Geological Formation: Kimmeridge Clay
• Geological Age: Upper Jurassic (~157–152 million years ago)
• Stratigraphic Stage: Kimmeridgian
• Date Discovered: 23 April 2024
• Prepared by: Alison

Geological & Palaeontological Context:

• Formation: Kimmeridge Clay Formation
• Stage: Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian
• Depositional Environment:
• Deep marine shelf conditions with low oxygen, fine-grained laminated shale and mudstone deposition, ideal for fossil preservation. Fossils from this formation often show remarkable detail due to the anoxic seabed conditions.
• Biozone (if determinable): Associated zones include the Aulacostephanus mutabilis to Pectinatites elegans ammonite zones, used for marine biostratigraphy.

Morphology Features:

• Vertebra Type: Typically amphicoelous (concave on both ends), with a cylindrical to slightly flattened shape and radial striations from muscle attachment
• Diagnostic Traits: Well-preserved centrum with distinguishable articulation surfaces; exhibits the robust, streamlined structure typical of agile marine predators

Taxonomy (Generic Placement – Based on Formation):

While the exact genus cannot be confidently assigned without associated skull material, Kimmeridge Clay has yielded several known genera including:

• Ophthalmosaurus
• Baptanodon
• Undorosaurus

These genera are part of the later Ichthyosaur lineage adapted for fast swimming in open marine environments.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Ichthyosauria
• Superfamily: Ichthyosauroidea
• Family: Ophthalmosauridae (probable)
• Genus: Indeterminate (from vertebra alone)

Notable Significance:

Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles, not dinosaurs, but lived contemporaneously in the Mesozoic seas. Their streamlined bodies, fish-like tails, and large eyes made them exceptional predators of fish and squid. Fossil vertebrae like this are valuable for both collectors and educational displays, representing the powerful backbone of these extinct marine reptiles.

Summary:

• Item: Ichthyosaur Fossil Vertebra
• Age: Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)
• Formation: Kimmeridge Clay
• Locality: Wyke Regis, Dorset, UK
• Discovered by: Alister and Alison (23 April 2024)
• Prepared by: Alison
• Certificate: Included
• Photo: Actual specimen shown
• Scale: 1cm cube for reference

Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This fossil is the exact piece you will receive – a unique item from the Jurassic seas of southern England.