I think i found a sponge or coral?

[Fossilsupremacy]

New to this platform and web forums in general (other than discord). But uh- i was at Lake Ray Roberts beach yesterday and found this strangely shaped rock in the water that i think might be a sponge or coral due to the abnormal tiny holes in it. I’m no paleontologist but i know that the area used  to be underwater, so it would make sense. If anyone can identify these photos, it would be a huge favor (and if you have discord i might draw your fav dino as a reward-) 
(btw, the fossil’s about 3/4ths the size of my hand, and i’m 5’11.)

 

[Rockwood]

It may be a sponge fossil, but not in the way you think. It's hard to be certain, but it may be an fossil oyster that had been eroded by sponge borings. 

[doushantuo]

depending on the size of the holes:maybe the holes were made by Cliona(boring sponge) or the isopod crustacean Sphaeroma.

I don't think the whole piece is poriferan( Sponge)

edit :

afterthought: spionid polychates bore into oysters as well,as do other molluscs( snails)

Edited April 21, 2023 by doushantuo

[Fossilsupremacy]

Taking a closer look at this- it does look like an eroded fossil oyster to me. The bottom of it had kind of a strange shape that was hard to see in the photos, and it’s very oyster-shaped to me. Unless the local museum wants it, i’m totally gonna keep it. 

[Rockwood]

I have to warn you not to plan on collecting all the oyster fossils in north Texas. You would probably need permits to do a project of that scale. 

[doushantuo]

[Fossilsupremacy]

7 minutes ago, Rockwood said:

I have to warn you not to plan on collecting all the oyster fossils in north Texas. You would probably need permits to do a project of that scale. 

Oh, is it okay if i jeep just this one? I can probably donate it to a museum or something if i can’t keep it.

[Parasaurolophus]

You'll be fine, I'm sure the museum doesn't need any more pieces. Congrats on your little find and I wish to you many years of good fossil hunting.