Mosasaur Tooth Identification - Navesink Formation (Monmouth County, NJ)

[Masonk]

Hi All,

Last week I found this Mosasaur tooth in one of the Brooks in Monmouth County, NJ (Navesink Formation - Late Cretaceous).

 

While in the brook, a guide from the Monmouth Museum was onsite leading a small group of college students. He identified the tooth as Halisaurus platyspondylus. Had a great conversation with the gentlemen as well, so a nice bonus.

 

Another, more experienced individual contacted me after I posted the tooth on a local FB group. He has several similar teeth, and while not completely disagreeing with Hailisaurus, suggested Prognathodon sp. may possibly be a better fit? It's debatable based on conversations he's had with other's more experienced than him.

 

In any case, I figured there must be several Mosasaur experts on here who may be able to weigh in on the subject.

 

Any opinions/discussion is appreciated. I'm still learning, so this is all helpful to me. Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Fossildude19]

@frankh8147  @Carl

[Masonk]

9 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

@frankh8147  @Carl

Thanks, Tim!

 

I'm going to take a guess that @frankh8147is the person who suggested Prognathodon sp.

[Jeffrey P]

I concur that Frank is the primary expert on New Jersey Upper Cretaceous marine reptile teeth and bones. 

[Praefectus]

Prognathodon "rapax"

[pachy-pleuro-whatnot-odon]

I'd agree with the Prognathodon sp. identification. Reasons being that the tooth is both too oval in basal cross-section for a halisaurid, and the posterior carina too straight.

[Carl]

17 hours ago, Fossildude19 said:

@frankh8147  @Carl

Flattered to be included but this is way outside my expertise, sadly.

[frankh8147]

On 11/15/2023 at 3:55 PM, Masonk said:

Thanks, Tim!

 

I'm going to take a guess that @frankh8147is the person who suggested Prognathodon sp.

Haha, guilty as charged! I did have a few caveats with my ID on that and will keep this tooth in mind.