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Found a black beak with teeth at the beach. Is it a fossil?


cameowlle

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Hi all, I went to the beach a couple of days ago (Ocean Grove in Melbourne, Australia) and found what appears to be a beak or jaw of some kind with a row of teeth. I found it in the sand where other rocks and shells were washing up. 

 

I am not knowledgeable at all about fossils but have read that due to its colouring it may be a fossil? I’m also aware that no birds living today have actual teeth like these. Any replies would be greatly apppreciated!

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I could be wrong but I’m getting a modern fish vibe from this. But i could easily be wrong. Lets see what the others have to say. Have you tried a flame test?

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39 minutes ago, Randyw said:

I could be wrong but I’m getting a modern fish vibe from this. But i could easily be wrong. Lets see what the others have to say. Have you tried a flame test?

I just did the flame test and it didn’t seem to have an odour! 

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@MarcoSr @Al Dente

 

Looks like a fish maxilla to me. Can't speak to genus or species, though.

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Fish dentary, upper. Has a resemblance to a bluefish (called a tailor in NZ), Pomatomus saltatrix. Size is right, too.

 

Modern example below (courtesy of elasmo.com) but it is the lower.

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Edited by hemipristis

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