Chimaeroid Fish Tooth Fossil Ischyodus thurmannil Gault Clay Folkestone UK Lower Cretaceous Specimen Authentic Display Piece

Description

Authentic Chimaeroid Tooth Fossil from the Lower Cretaceous of England

This exceptional fossil represents a genuine chimaeroid fish tooth plate identified as Ischyodus thurmannil, preserved as a right palatine plate. Recovered from the renowned Gault Clay Formation at Cop Point, Folkestone, Kent, this specimen dates to the Albian stage of the Lower Cretaceous, approximately 100–113 million years ago. Each fossil is an authentic, carefully selected piece, and the exact specimen shown in the images is the one you will receive. A Certificate of Authenticity with a lifetime guarantee is included.

Geological Context – Gault Clay Formation, Albian Stage

The Gault Clay of Folkestone is one of the most famous fossil-bearing marine deposits in the UK, formed in a calm, offshore sea during the Lower Cretaceous. This fine-grained clay is known for its exceptional preservation of marine fauna, including ammonites, bivalves, crustaceans, and cartilaginous fish remains. The Albian stage represents a period of high sea levels and rich marine biodiversity, making specimens from this locality highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike.

Fossil Type – Chimaeroid (Ratfish) Dental Plate

Unlike sharks, chimaeroids (order Chimaeriformes) possess large, durable dental plates rather than individual teeth. These plates were adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey such as molluscs and crustaceans. The specimen offered here is a right palatine plate, part of the upper jaw, which would have worked in conjunction with other plates to process food efficiently.

Species Identification – Ischyodus thurmannil

The genus Ischyodus is one of the most well-known fossil chimaeroids, with a long evolutionary history. Ischyodus thurmannil is a recognised species from the Cretaceous, characterised by robust dental plates with distinct grinding surfaces. These fossils provide valuable insight into the feeding strategies and ecological roles of ancient holocephalan fishes.

Morphological Features and Preservation

This specimen displays the classic morphology of a palatine plate, including a broad, flattened crushing surface and characteristic ridging used for processing prey. The fossilisation within Gault Clay often preserves fine surface detail, giving collectors a clear view of the functional anatomy. Natural wear patterns may also be visible, reflecting the life activity of the animal.

Palaeoenvironment and Ancient Marine Life

During the Albian, the region that is now Kent was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with life. Chimaeroids like Ischyodus occupied ecological niches alongside sharks, marine reptiles, and invertebrates. Their specialised dentition indicates a durophagous diet, contributing to the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling populations of shelled organisms.

Display, Collection, and Authenticity

This fossil is ideal for collectors of British fossils, Cretaceous marine life, or vertebrate remains. Its identifiable structure and scientific significance make it suitable for both display and study. The specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and lifetime guarantee, ensuring confidence in its genuine origin.

Sizing and Presentation

Please refer to the accompanying photographs for full sizing and scale. The images clearly show the actual fossil you will receive, allowing you to appreciate its detail and condition before purchase.