Is this a fossil? Pleurosaurs?

[Looking]

This is from an outcrop in Madison County, Alabama in Gasper Formation limestone.  It is just over 2 feet in length.  Any info/ suggestion are appreciated.  The last photo is a museum specimen that resembles the gross shape/ outlines visible in the subject rock. The rock protrudes through leaves but seems to be part of a shelf that was exposed in a small landslide about 25 years ago. I haven’t attempted to excavate the shelf around this yet. The shelf is fully exposed just a few feet from this spot. Unlike this rock though, the shelf  is largely flat. There are two odd features on the side of the subject rock: a bit like ”ltwo small slabs of cheese were cut about 75% off a wedge and peeled back away from the main rock”.  No other rocks in the immediate area have a similar pattern. 

 

Would it be safe to try vinegar (I have a 12% solution) to remove some limestone if a fossil is possibly present? 

[Yoda]

Welcome to the Forum. 

 

I am not an expert, but to me, this looks like a rock

[Ludwigia]

For your information, Pleurosaurus first appeared and lived during the Late Jurassic and not before. The Gasper Limestone is Carboniferous, so this would rule out the chances of finding any Pleurosauridae in it.

[Mahnmut]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Before discussing species I think the question is, is there a fossil.

And on the level of detail your find shows, the difference between a pleurosaurs skeleton and, lets say, a pangolin would not be visible.

I see why you thought of vertebrae and ribs. on the other hand, there are several branching lines of what looks a bit like vertebrae, which is not how vertebrates are built.

Also, what should be ribs does not have the shape of basically rods, like ribs do, but rather like ridges of miniature mountains, typical for erosion- shaped structures.

I think its a very nice weathering pattern, but no skeleton.

Best regards,

J

[doushantuo]

well put,and I agree with previous opinions

[rocket]

very nice rock, but, as mentioned, not a fossil. Might be the structure comes due to erosion

[westcoast]

Karst weathering of limestone, search for images of rillenkarren.

[jpc]

I agree with the others... very cool weathering pattern.  Not worth wasting good cheap vinegar on it.  But bring it home and call it a nice addition to the garden, if that is an option.