Claw, jaw, or not at all?

[GroundWatcher]

Hello, I have another one that's puzzling me. At first I thought it was a jaw with teeth, but there is no enamel present. My next option was a crab type claw, but it's much larger than the typical ones we find in Virginia. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[Fossildude19]

Where was this found?

[GroundWatcher]

Central Virginia 

[Plax]

crab claw, no doubt central coastal plain of virginia?

[GroundWatcher]

I'm not sure of the exact formation name but it's north east of Richmond. Grey/ blue clay. I find cypress, horse teeth, shark teeth, bones, tautog fossils. No shells. 

[jpc]

looks crab clawish to me.  What is a toatog?

[GroundWatcher]

If it's a claw, why wouldn't it be hollow? Could it be a cast? I've never found cast material here. Not that it doesn't exist...

[GroundWatcher]

I should have said Wrasse. Tautog is a type. (Fish) see below:

 

 

[Plax]

2 hours ago, GroundWatcher said:

If it's a claw, why wouldn't it be hollow? Could it be a cast? I've never found cast material here. Not that it doesn't exist...

There is sediment inside that claw. Most of the outer surface of the claw is eroded away.

  Tautog fishing is still popular in the mid atlantic states.

[RJB]

What Plax said.   There is sediment inside that claw. Most of the outer surface of the claw is eroded away.

 

RB

[GroundWatcher]

Thank you all for your replies! This was very helpful! Good hunting!