Rare Genuine Pterosaur Tooth Fossil Dinosaur Age Kem Kem Beds Morocco Cretaceous

Description

Authentic Pterosaur (Pterodactyl) Tooth from the Kem Kem Basin

This exceptional and rare Pterosaur (Pterodactyl) tooth fossil originates from the Tegana Formation within the renowned Kem Kem Beds of southeastern Morocco. Dating to the Aptian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period (approximately 125–113 million years ago), this specimen represents one of the most fascinating remnants of prehistoric skies — a genuine tooth from a flying reptile that lived alongside dinosaurs. The Kem Kem Basin is famous for producing beautifully preserved vertebrate fossils, including those of large theropods, crocodyliforms, and pterosaurs. This rare find offers collectors and enthusiasts a direct connection to a time when these majestic flyers dominated the air above primeval river systems and deltas.

Geological Context – Tegana Formation, Aptian Stage

The fossil was recovered from the Tegana Formation, part of the extensive Kem Kem Group. These strata were laid down in vast fluvial systems composed of cross-bedded sandstones, siltstones, and iron-rich muds, formed by ancient braided rivers flowing through what was once a warm, semi-tropical floodplain. During the Early Cretaceous, the Kem Kem Basin was an area of high biodiversity, where both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems flourished. The Aptian Stage represents a crucial interval of evolutionary development, marked by high global temperatures and the diversification of reptiles, early birds, and flowering plants. The reddish-brown sediments of the Tegana Formation owe their colour to hematite and iron oxide minerals, which also contributed to the mineralisation and preservation of fossils such as this pterosaur tooth.

Species and Morphological Characteristics

This genuine pterosaur tooth belonged to a member of the order Pterosauria, the ancient flying reptiles that shared the skies with early birds but were not themselves dinosaurs. The specimen most likely comes from a member of the family Ornithocheiridae, a group of large Cretaceous pterosaurs known for their long, narrow wings and fish-eating habits. Their teeth were typically slender, conical, and recurved — an adaptation ideal for gripping slippery prey such as fish or small amphibians caught in the delta waters. This particular fossil exhibits those characteristic features, with visible enamel sheen and natural tapering towards a sharp tip. The tooth’s surface may display iron-rich mineral staining from the surrounding sediment, adding to its striking natural appearance.

Scientific Significance and Discovery

The pterosaur remains from the Kem Kem Beds have greatly contributed to the understanding of flying reptile diversity in Gondwana. These fossils help illustrate the spread of Ornithocheirids across ancient coastal and fluvial environments during the Cretaceous. The site has yielded fragmentary skulls, jaw sections, and teeth attributable to several genera, including Coloborhynchus, Anhanguera, and Siroccopteryx, the latter being one of the first named pterosaurs from North Africa. Each tooth, such as this specimen, represents a rare window into the anatomy and diet of these aerial predators. The Kem Kem deposits have been studied extensively by palaeontologists including Professor David M. Martill and colleagues, whose work has confirmed the presence of multiple pterosaur taxa within these formations.

Preservation, Authenticity, and Display

This genuine pterosaur tooth fossil displays excellent natural preservation and retains fine enamel detail typical of the species’ dentition. The colour ranges from deep ochre to dark brown, reflecting the iron oxide mineralisation characteristic of the Tegana Formation. No artificial enhancement has been applied—only minimal stabilisation to ensure durability and authenticity. The fossil has been hand-selected for its scientific and display quality, and the accompanying photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the photo for accurate reference.

Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its provenance and guaranteeing it as a genuine fossil from the Aptian-aged Kem Kem Beds of Morocco.

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

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1 cm. Full sizing details are shown in the photo. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, professionally selected for quality and authenticity.