Description
Phytosaur Tooth Fossil – Triassic Period, Redonda Formation, New Mexico
This genuine Phytosaur tooth fossil from the Redonda Formation of New Mexico, USA, is an exceptional piece of Late Triassic prehistoric life. Phytosaurs were large, crocodile-like archosaurs that lived over 200 million years ago, thriving in river and lake environments long before true crocodilians became dominant.
This specimen represents the fossilised tooth of one of these formidable semi-aquatic predators. You will receive a genuine fossil specimen of the type shown in the photographs, with the image provided as an example of the actual specimen you will receive. Each tooth is carefully chosen for authenticity, preservation, and display appeal. Full sizing is available in the listing photos.
This fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.
Fossil Identification & Prehistoric Context
Phytosaurs belong to the Order Phytosauria, a group of extinct archosaurs closely related to the early lineage of crocodile-like reptiles. Despite their resemblance to modern crocodiles, phytosaurs represent a separate evolutionary branch that flourished during the Late Triassic.
These predators possessed elongated snouts, powerful jaws, and conical teeth designed for gripping slippery prey such as fish, amphibians, and smaller reptiles. Their teeth are distinctive fossils, offering a direct connection to the ecosystems of the Triassic world.
Geological Age – Late Triassic
The Redonda Formation dates to the Late Triassic Epoch, approximately 210 to 200 million years ago, near the end of the Triassic Period. This was a time of major evolutionary change, when early dinosaurs were emerging alongside diverse reptile groups including phytosaurs, aetosaurs, and rauisuchians.
The Late Triassic represents one of the most important intervals in vertebrate evolution, preserving fossils from ecosystems that existed just before the end-Triassic extinction event.
Redonda Formation – New Mexico, USA
The Redonda Formation is part of the Chinle Group, a famous sequence of Triassic sedimentary rocks exposed across the American Southwest. In New Mexico, these deposits record ancient floodplains, river channels, and shallow lakes that supported rich vertebrate faunas.
Sediments from this formation include mudstones, siltstones, and sandstones deposited in lowland environments. Fossils preserved here often include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and plant material, reflecting a warm, seasonally wet Triassic landscape.
The Redonda Formation is particularly noted for yielding phytosaur remains, making it an important locality for Late Triassic vertebrate paleontology.
Tooth Morphology & Notable Features
Phytosaur teeth are typically:
• Conical and slightly recurved
• Adapted for gripping and holding prey
• Often displaying fine longitudinal enamel ridges
• Pointed with a robust base for jaw attachment
• Mineralised and preserved with natural colour variation
These teeth provide insight into the feeding ecology of phytosaurs and the predator-prey dynamics of Triassic river systems.
Each fossil tooth is unique, with differences in size, curvature, enamel texture, and preservation reflecting natural variation and fossilisation conditions.
Collecting, Display & Educational Value
A Triassic phytosaur tooth is a fascinating collectible for fossil enthusiasts, educators, and natural history collectors. It represents a rare window into a world that existed before the age of giant dinosaurs, when crocodile-like archosaurs dominated waterways.
This specimen is ideal for:
• Fossil and reptile tooth collectors
• Triassic period displays
• Educational teaching collections
• Gifts for prehistoric life enthusiasts
• Cabinet or desk presentation
Authenticity & Presentation
• Genuine Phytosaur tooth fossil specimen
• Geological Age: Late Triassic
• Formation: Redonda Formation, Chinle Group
• Locality: New Mexico, USA
• Order: Phytosauria
• Carefully chosen collectible fossil tooth
• Photo shows an example of the actual specimen you will receive
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• Full sizing available in listing photographs
A remarkable Triassic predator tooth from the famous Redonda Formation, offering an authentic piece of deep-time American prehistory for collectors and enthusiasts alike.





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