Is This A Lizard Of Some Kind? A Fish?

[mariatak]

This stone is the centerpiece of the mantle above our fireplace, and we've always wondered what kind of fossil this is. Our house is in Los Angeles, but I don't know where the stone is from. It looks like some kind of lizard with fins for feet. It's about 12 inches from head to tail. What do you think this is?

Full view:

Close-ups:

[Fossildude19]

Looks like fish vertebra, but I see no articulated fins or the head, which are kind of necessary for further ID.

I do see some fin bits, and ribs though.

Regards,

Edited August 4, 2014 by Fossildude19

[jpc]

I also think it looks like a fish, but better, more focused pix would be a great help.

[Plax]

Tanystropheus? aquatic triassic lizard? am thinking I see hints of lizard limbs

[Fossildude19]

Better, Well lit, in focus pics would help.

Regards,

[mariatak]

Thank you - I'll try to take some better pictures and post them.

[TyrannosaurusRex]

I see what looks like the head. I will agree with aquatic lizard. Very nice fossil.

[Fossildude19]

I will stick by my ID of fish, despite the current blurry pics.

There is no record of Tanystropheus from California, as far as I know.

There is record of Thalattosaurus, found in Shasta, but I don't think they are as commonly found as fish are in southern CA. .

And we really do not know the provenance of the rock itself, as it is stuck in a wall.

I think leaping ahead to an ID of aquatic lizard without clearer pictures is a bit premature.

Regards,

Edited August 5, 2014 by Fossildude19

[Plax]

am with you fossildude and that's why I used the question marks on my speculation, don't think this one can be put to rest until we get a better focussed pic