Marine Reptile Id

[josh_2727]

I finished my first fossil prep and was wondering if I could get the forums help for a more specific ID. It is a marine reptile oxford clay 150 myo middle jurassic peterborough UK. The bone is approx. 4.5cm long and 0.7cm wide at the left end and 1.2 cm wide on the right end. I have a question regarding how to tell a marine reptile fossil from others. Would you look at the geological setting (i.e. time frame, past environment of the area and formation found in), specific traits on the bone, or a combo of the two? I noticed the bone has a woven type appearance, does that point to anything specific? I understand the bone is probably to small and doesnt display any features useful for a specific ID, but any info would be greatly appreciated and help to expand my knowledge.

Thanks,

Josh

[DE&i]

What you have there is a partial Leedsichthys rib bone here is a you tube video that should answer some of your questions :

The Dinosaur Gallery Star Objects: The Giant Fish (Leedsichthys)

[josh_2727]

Thanks! I will definitely watch that video

[Mike from North Queensland]

The bone is typical of what you would expect for fish as apposed to marine reptile. Darren with the local knowledge has picked it. Nice prep work as this piece looks better with some of the matrix still with the bone.

Mike

Edited August 30, 2015 by Mike from North Queensland

[josh_2727]

The bone is typical of what you would expect for fish as apposed to marine reptile. Darren with the local knowledge has picked it. Nice prep work as this piece looks better with some of the matrix still with the bone.

Mike

Thanks, I thought it would look better with some matrix around it. I'm still not completely satisfied with the level of smoothness of the matrix so I may work on it a bit more.