Unknown Claw Fossil

[RescueMJ]

These fossils have been found within 500 yards of each other on surface soil in Venice, Florida.  Other early pleistocene dated fossils in immediate area. When I found the first one, I thought it was a nail from a dog.  Several others found in the last few months.

 

I appreciate any input on these identifications.

 

Happy New Year

-Michael

 

[Darktooth]

I found a bunch of these a couple years ago while hunting with @digit and his wife. He said that he believed these to be a fish tilly bones, though these have a unique odd shape to them.

[RescueMJ]

Thanks. I have found several Tilly bones in my area which are much more dense. They are very different from these items. I have found some of these questioned fossils that were cleaved down the middle. 
 

Happy New Year

-Michael

[Brett Breakin' Rocks]

Hi @RescueMJ  Dave is right .. these are Tilly bones described as Hyperostosed (swollen) neurocranium from a bony fish. Nice finds.... !

 

These examples have better preservation than the water-worn examples you have found, but still really cool.

 

Some additional info:

https://lakeneosho.org/Fossil/index.html

 

Image Credit: Barry Sutton

 

One more similar 'Tilly' bone of the neurocranium ... 

 

Image Credit: 

SMITHSONIAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO PALEOBIOLOGY • NUMBER 90

Geology and Paleontology of the Lee Creek Mine, North Carolina, III

 

[RescueMJ]

Your photos are very similar to mine. The largest example was my first find among 2 large. The others are all same smaller size. 
 

large example is 42mm x 26 mm.

Thanks. It makes sense with all of my marine fossils. 

[val horn]

I was thinking of dolphin periotic

[digit]

19 minutes ago, 10313horn said:

I was thinking of dolphin periotic

Nope. Those do have a similar look but these odd Tilly Bones seem to be very common in SW Florida.

 

 

Cheers.

 

-Ken