Teleosaurus Crocodile Like Reptile Fossil Tooth Jurassic Bathonian Madagascar Genuine Specimen with Certificate

Overview

This genuine Teleosaurus (Crocodile-like) Reptile Fossil Tooth originates from the Isalo III Formation, Bathonian Stage of the Jurassic Period, and was collected near Ambondromamy, Madagascar. It represents a rare and scientifically valuable specimen from an extinct genus of marine crocodile-like reptiles that once thrived in the warm Jurassic seas. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube provided for size reference—please see the photo for full dimensions.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming their provenance and scientific identification. This beautifully preserved tooth has been carefully selected and professionally prepared to highlight its natural morphology and enamel texture.

Geological Context

This fossil comes from the Isalo III Formation, part of Madagascar’s extensive Isalo Group, which spans the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian)—around 168 to 166 million years ago. The formation is composed mainly of sandstones and fine-grained siltstones, representing a coastal and fluvial depositional environment that alternated between river channels, deltas, and shallow marine settings.

During the Jurassic, Madagascar was part of the supercontinent Gondwana, situated closer to the southern tropics and characterised by warm climates and abundant life. The Isalo III Formation is world-renowned for its vertebrate fossils, including fish, turtles, dinosaurs, and marine reptiles such as Teleosaurus, which inhabited both coastal lagoons and open seas.

The sedimentary layers at Ambondromamy provide remarkable preservation conditions, with iron-rich minerals helping to fossilise the teeth and bones, often retaining their original surface texture and enamel sheen.

Taxonomy and Palaeobiology

Teleosaurus belongs to the order Crocodylomorpha, within the family Teleosauridae—a lineage of semi-aquatic marine reptiles that flourished during the Jurassic Period. These creatures are often referred to as “marine crocodiles,” though they were not true crocodiles but close relatives that adapted to life in marine environments.

The genus Teleosaurus, first described by Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in 1825, is known from Europe, Africa, and Madagascar, with species distinguished by their elongated, narrow snouts and sharp, conical teeth suited for catching fish and small marine animals. These animals were powerful swimmers, possessing streamlined bodies and strong tails, similar in lifestyle to modern gharials or saltwater crocodiles.

This fossil tooth exhibits the typical features of a teleosaurid: a conical, recurved crown with fine longitudinal ridges, natural tapering towards the apex, and smooth enamel with subtle growth lines. Its morphology suggests it belonged to a mid-sized individual that hunted in shallow, coastal marine waters. The enamel preservation shows the characteristic glossy dark brown to black mineralisation typical of Jurassic deposits from Madagascar.

Scientific and Historical Significance

Teleosaurids such as Teleosaurus crenatidens and Steneosaurus represent key evolutionary stages in the adaptation of crocodile-like reptiles from freshwater to fully marine environments. They are among the earliest examples of reptiles to achieve widespread marine dispersal across the Jurassic seas of Gondwana and Laurasia.

The Bathonian Stage marks a period of extensive marine biodiversity, and fossils like this provide invaluable insights into the predatory dynamics of the Jurassic ecosystems. Teeth such as this one are particularly important for identifying teleosaurid species in fragmentary assemblages, as their unique shape and surface structure can be diagnostic at both genus and species level.

Collectible and Display Qualities

This Teleosaurus tooth is a fine, well-preserved example of a Jurassic marine reptile fossil, displaying clear enamel detail and a natural curvature. It is mounted with a display stand, making it ideal for both scientific and aesthetic presentation. The contrast between the fossil’s dark mineralised enamel and the lighter sediment matrix creates a visually striking specimen.

Every fossil we offer is ethically sourced and professionally prepared, ensuring it meets both scientific and collector standards. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity verifies its geological age, formation, and discovery location.

This Teleosaurus (Crocodile-like) Reptile Fossil Tooth from the Isalo III Formation, Bathonian, Jurassic of Ambondromamy, Madagascar is an outstanding and scientifically significant piece, offering a tangible connection to the great marine predators that ruled Earth’s Jurassic seas over 165 million years ago.