Shark Coprolite Fossil Prehistoric Poo with Fish Bones Scales Black Ven Marls Lyme Regis Jurassic UK

Description

Authentic Shark Coprolite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This listing offers a rare shark coprolite (fossilised poo) containing inclusions of fish bones and scales, recovered from the world-famous Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation, Jurassic Coast: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Coprolites of this quality provide exceptional insight into the diet and feeding behaviour of prehistoric sharks that prowled the seas during the Early Jurassic period.

This particular specimen was discovered on 15th September 2025 by our team members, Alister and Alison, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. The item shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for sizing reference. As with all of our items, your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity for complete assurance.

Geological and Palaeontological Context

The Black Ven Marls form part of the Lower Lias, deposited around 200 million years ago during the Early Jurassic. These clay-rich sediments were laid down in shallow marine environments, rich in marine reptiles, sharks, ammonites, belemnites, and fish. The fine muds preserved not only body fossils but also trace fossils such as coprolites, making this location one of the most significant palaeontological sites in the world.

Stonebarrow Cliff at Charmouth is a renowned fossil locality along the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for spectacular finds that have advanced our understanding of marine ecosystems since the days of Mary Anning.

What Are Coprolites?

Coprolites are fossilised faeces, formed when mineralisation replaces the organic material of ancient waste. Unlike skeletal remains, coprolites provide unique evidence of diet and digestive processes.

This specimen clearly preserves:

• Fish bones trapped within the matrix.
• Fish scales that reveal the prey species consumed.
• Compact structure showing mineralised digestive remains.

These inclusions show that Jurassic sharks fed heavily on bony fish, with their digestive systems leaving behind undigested fragments.

About Jurassic Sharks

Jurassic seas were populated by a wide range of sharks belonging to the subclass Elasmobranchii, which includes both modern sharks and rays. Sharks were apex predators of their ecosystems, equipped with multiple rows of replaceable teeth and powerful digestive systems. While shark skeletons were cartilaginous and rarely fossilised, coprolites and teeth are more commonly preserved, providing critical information about their existence.

This coprolite specimen represents not just the animal itself but a direct snapshot of its behaviour—proof of what it ate and how it interacted with its ecosystem.

Scientific and Collector Value

This shark coprolite with inclusions is more than just a fossil—it is a rare window into the ecology of the Early Jurassic seas:

• For collectors: An unusual and scientifically important addition to any fossil collection.
• For researchers and educators: A vivid demonstration of palaeoecology, showing predator-prey interactions.
• For enthusiasts: A unique conversation piece that connects you directly to life nearly 200 million years ago.

A Rare Opportunity to Own a Piece of Prehistoric Evidence

This specimen is an authentic piece of Earth’s history, capturing a moment in time when a Jurassic shark hunted, fed, and left behind the remains of its meal. Over millions of years, those remains mineralised into stone, preserving an irreplaceable record of ancient life.

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