Large Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus vertebra

[K12P34]

Hello,

 

some time ago I found a quite interesting fossil. The seller claims:

 

 

 

This is an authentic Spinosaurus Aegyptiacus vertebra

Measures about 30 centimeters

Location: Maroco

Upper Cretaceous

Approximately 10% restoration

 

 

 

 

What do you think about the fossil?

 

 

Best regards

 

Edited March 21, 2022 by K12P34

[BioBob]

It indeed looks like a Spinosaurus vertebra. An anterior caudal, around caudal vertebra 12. Comparable with the neotype in the pictures below.

[LordTrilobite]

Most likely a composite vertebra. The neural arch isn't positioned correctly on the centrum. There's some junk added between the centrum and neural arch. So I think it's highly unlikely they belong together. If they belonged together they'd fit better than this. But both parts do seem to be part of spinosaur caudal vertebrae like Biobob said. I'd agree that at least the neural arch resembles the 12th or possibly the 11th caudal.

As is I wouldn't buy it, because it has been tampered with and incorrectly assembled. Separating the two pieces might make two rather nice pieces but removing all the glue and junk would be really hard to do without damaging the actual fossil. It's a shame too, because that neural arch is quite nice.

[K12P34]

Ok, now I know something more about this fossil. Thanks for the help.