Manatee or Dugong

[Shellseeker]

I was out twice this week to an area of the Peace River that I had previously hunted extensively. I did far better than I anticipated. One of my finds from yesterday is a sirenia skullcap.  Impressive. Whenever I get an interesting fossil,  I ask questions  of myself, friends, TFF members...This fossil is interesting because it is rare in my hunting area,  this one is the highest quality one I have found, looking at those fine lines and lack of water erosion. It measures 100 x 85 x 35 mm

 

Question #1. Does this skullcap come from Metaxytherium floridanum (14 to 7 mya)  or Trichechus manatus (last 3 mya) ?  Can I differentiate by bones?  Similar question on teeth...  Are these dugong or manatee teeth?

 

What follows is to photos of same tooth

 

 

There were lots of dugong or manatee ribs, many in excellent shape,  pieces of dugong or manatee verts. In anticipation of future finds , I am trying to collect differentiators. 

 

Thanks for the help...  Jack

 

Edited March 6, 2022 by Shellseeker

[Harry Pristis]

All dugongid, except for the skull bit, Jack.  That vault wall pattern fits manatee, I think.  Good find!

 

 

[Mark Kmiecik]

Nice find. 

[Shellseeker]

2 hours ago, Harry Pristis said:

All dugongid, except for the skull bit, Jack.  That vault wall pattern fits manatee, I think.  Good find!

Thanks Harry, Excellent Response... Nice differentiator.  This is a great find,  only my 2nd in a decade and the other one not nearly the size or quality. I am really pleased..  Jack