RARE Huge 5″ Plesiosaur Vertebra Fossil Cretaceous Morocco A-Grade Marine Reptile Bone

Description

Rare Huge 5″ Plesiosaur Vertebra Fossil – Genuine Cretaceous Marine Reptile from the Oulad Abdoun Basin, Morocco

This RARE huge 5″ Plesiosaur vertebra fossil is an exceptional specimen from the world-famous Cretaceous phosphate beds of the Oulad Abdoun Basin, Khouribga, Morocco. This site is renowned for producing some of the best and most diverse marine vertebrate fossils from the Late Cretaceous seas. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive. Scale rule cubes measure 1 cm for accurate size reference. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Origin and Depositional Environment

The Oulad Abdoun Basin is one of the richest vertebrate fossil localities in the world, with deposits dating from the Late Cretaceous into the early Paleogene. The layers in which plesiosaur remains are found typically represent a warm, shallow marine environment dominated by phosphatic sediments. These phosphate-rich seafloor conditions supported rapid mineral replacement and exceptional fossil preservation.

The marine setting during this period was home to a diverse ecosystem including plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, sharks, turtles, and bony fish. The vertebra offered here comes from one of these large marine reptiles that swam through these Cretaceous seas approximately 70–66 million years ago.

Fossil Type, Species, and Classification

Fossil Type

• Plesiosaur Vertebra – a genuine fossil bone from a long-necked marine reptile of the Mesozoic Era.

Taxonomic Classification

Although specific species attribution may be difficult without associated skeletal material, most vertebrae from this region come from the families:

• Elasmosauridae (long-necked plesiosaurs with extremely elongated cervical series)
• Plesiosauridae (medium-necked plesiosaurs with robust bodies and paddle-like limbs)

Plesiosaurs belong to:

• Order: Plesiosauria
• Superfamily: Plesiosauroidea

These reptiles are known for their distinctive body shape—four paddle limbs, barrel-shaped bodies, and either short or very long necks depending on the family.

Morphological Features of the Vertebra

This specimen exhibits the characteristic traits of plesiosaur vertebrae, including:

• Large, rounded centrum with strong lateral curvature
• Deep articular surfaces for interlocking with adjacent vertebrae
• Robust bone texture typical of marine reptiles adapted for strong swimming
• Well-defined ridges and facets for muscle and ligament attachment
• Dense, mineral-rich bone structure created through phosphatisation

The size of this vertebra suggests it belonged to a large individual—potentially several metres in length—consistent with the marine reptiles that dominated the Cretaceous seas of North Africa.

Geological Importance and Scientific Context

Plesiosaurs played a significant ecological role as apex and mid-level predators in Late Cretaceous marine environments. Their fossils help paleontologists reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand reptilian adaptations to marine life.

The Oulad Abdoun Basin itself is scientifically critical for:

• Well-preserved marine vertebrates from the end of the Cretaceous
• Biostratigraphic correlation across North Africa and the Tethys Sea
• Understanding extinction patterns at the K–Pg boundary

A vertebra of this calibre serves as a tangible connection to these extinct oceanic ecosystems.

Collector Grade and Display Appeal

This vertebra has been selected for its:

• Excellent size at approximately 5 inches across
• Strong structural integrity
• Clear anatomical definition
• Attractive natural mineralisation
• Well-preserved form suitable for prominent display

It sits beautifully as a standalone centrepiece or as part of a wider fossil collection, offering both scientific value and aesthetic appeal.

Ideal for Collectors, Museums, and Marine Reptile Enthusiasts

This specimen is perfect for anyone passionate about marine reptiles, Mesozoic paleontology, or rare vertebrate fossils. Its impressive size, striking morphology, and highly sought-after locality make it a rare and valuable addition to any collection.

It represents millions of years of Earth’s history, preserved from one of the most important fossil sites in the world.