Rare Ichthyosaur Leptonectes Tooth Fossil Block Famous Fish Reptile Coprolite Bed Aust Cliff Westbury Formation Penarth Group UK

Description

Rare Ichthyosaur (Leptonectes) Tooth from Aust Cliff

This listing is for a rare Ichthyosaur tooth fossil from the genus Leptonectes, preserved in a block from the world-renowned fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK. Collected from the Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, this specimen dates to the Upper Triassic period, approximately 215–201 million years ago. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference.

The specimen was discovered on 07 April 2025 by our skilled collectors, Alister and Alison, and subsequently cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal the natural detail of the fossil while ensuring its preservation. Every purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming the fossil’s genuine origin and strong provenance.

Geological Context and Age

The fossil comes from the Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group exposed at Aust Cliff. This horizon is a famous bone bed that yields a remarkable variety of vertebrate remains, including shark teeth, reptile bones, fish scales, coprolites, and occasionally marine reptile teeth such as this rare ichthyosaur specimen.

Deposited in shallow marine and lagoonal settings, the Westbury Formation represents a critical stage in Earth’s history, recording ecosystems just before the rise of the great Jurassic reptiles. The Aust Cliff locality is one of Britain’s most important Upper Triassic fossil sites, and specimens from here are both scientifically valuable and highly collectible.

Species Information – Leptonectes

Leptonectes is an extinct genus of ichthyosaur belonging to the order Ichthyosauria, a group of dolphin-like marine reptiles that thrived during the Triassic and Jurassic periods. Leptonectes was an early ichthyosaur, known for its elongated snout and slender body, well-adapted for fast swimming and agile predation.

The teeth of Leptonectes are typically slender and conical, with fine striations on the enamel surface. They were adapted for grasping slippery prey such as fish and cephalopods. This specialisation reflects the role of Leptonectes as an efficient predator within late Triassic marine ecosystems. Fossils of Leptonectes have been described from Britain and continental Europe, making this specimen an important part of the wider ichthyosaur fossil record.

Fossil Features and Preservation

The tooth in this specimen is naturally embedded within its shale block, preserving both anatomical detail and geological context. Its pointed crown and fine surface striations are visible, showcasing the distinctive features of an ichthyosaur feeding tooth.

The block originates from a bone-rich horizon where skeletal remains of fish, reptiles, and sharks were deposited together, often alongside coprolites. The preservation of an ichthyosaur tooth in this bed is rare, adding to the scientific and collector value of this specimen.

Scientific and Collector Value

Ichthyosaur teeth from Leptonectes are far less common than isolated vertebrae or bone fragments. Their presence at Aust Cliff is highly significant, offering a glimpse into the diversity of marine reptiles in the Upper Triassic seas of Britain. This fossil not only represents an apex predator of its time but also provides direct evidence of feeding adaptations and evolutionary traits within early ichthyosaurs.

Collectors will appreciate the rarity and provenance of this specimen, making it a standout addition to any collection of vertebrate fossils. It is equally valuable for educational display or as a teaching specimen to demonstrate the diversity of late Triassic marine reptiles.

A Unique Piece of Triassic Marine History

This rare Ichthyosaur (Leptonectes) tooth fossil block from Aust Cliff is both scientifically significant and visually striking. With its strong provenance, careful preparation, and accompanying Certificate of Authenticity, it represents a remarkable opportunity to own a genuine piece of Upper Triassic marine history from one of Britain’s most famous fossil beds.

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