Austin Chalk Texas Plesiosaur vertebra

[sander]

Dear members of the fossil forum,

 

I have bought this vertebra with limited information, and I was hoping that someone here might know more about this vertebra, as in what genus and species it is, and perhaps a better defined findspot.

It is said to have come from the Austin Chalk Formation, Santonian, Texas. the seller did not know more about it, nor did he know from whom he acquired it.

for some reason none of the vertebrae I have seen from the austin chalk have got this colour, and also it seems that from the santonian of texas no plesiosaurs have been described yet? in older and younger layers i see Libonectes, Elasmosaurus and Styxosaurus, but they come from Turonian and Campanian layers.

Perhaps someone here can help me, or knows a researcher who is specialised in plesiosaurs (elasmosaurs?)?

Thanks in advance,

Sander

[sander]

[jpc]

I will say yes to plesiosaur, but beyond that.... ???

[sander]

Do you also think it really comes from the Santonian Austin Chalk of Texas?

I can't find vertebrae with the same colours and preservation on the internet, so I am starting to doubt that information.