RARE British Chalk Shark Coprolite with Fish Scales Cretaceous Sussex UK | Authentic Fossil Droppings

Description

This listing features a rare British shark coprolite fossil (fossilised faeces) containing visible fish scale inclusions, collected from the Cretaceous Chalk of Sussex, England. Such fossils provide direct evidence of ancient marine predator-prey interactions and are highly prized among vertebrate palaeontology collectors.

Geological Context:

• Fossil Type: Coprolite (fossilised faecal matter)
• Probable Originator: Lamniform shark (e.g., Cretolamna, Squalicorax)
• Inclusions: Fish scales, possibly from bony fish (Teleosts)
• Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
• Formation: Chalk Group (Upper Chalk Formation)
• Location: Sussex, United Kingdom
• Depositional Environment: Calm, deep marine basin with slow accumulation of coccolith-rich carbonate mud
• Age Estimate: Most likely Turonian to Campanian (c. 93 to 72 million years ago)

Scientific Significance: Coprolites such as this specimen are of exceptional palaeobiological importance. They provide rare trace fossil evidence of diet, trophic level, and digestive physiology in extinct marine animals. In this case, the preserved fish scales confirm piscivorous feeding behaviour—likely by a mid-sized predatory shark.

Morphology & Notable Features:

• Rounded to cylindrical coprolite form
• Pale chalk matrix, retaining slight brownish or grey contrast
• Embedded reflective fish scales (micaceous sheen under light)
• Compact and dense with natural fragmentation
• Exceptional example of taphonomy in marine chalk environments

Biozone Association: May be associated with zones such as Micraster coranguinum or Marsupites testudinarius, which define key stages of the Upper Cretaceous Chalk stratigraphy in Southern England.

Specimen Details:

• Origin: Sussex, England, UK
• Age: Late Cretaceous (~85 million years old)
• Scale: Scale rule square/cube = 1cm. Please refer to photos for full sizing
• Condition: Professionally selected; displays clear structure and inclusions
• Photo: The exact specimen shown in the listing is what you will receive

Certification & Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each specimen is carefully selected and verified for scientific, educational, and display value.

This unique British Chalk shark coprolite with preserved fish scales is a remarkable and rare trace fossil—perfect for collectors of vertebrate palaeontology, educational use, or display in any natural history collection.