Unknown Fossil from Big Brook, NJ.

[Jeffrey P]

Here is a mystery fossil (both sides) I found on Monday in an upper tributary of Big Brook from Monmouth Co., NJ. It is Upper Cretaceous. Thanks for any and all input.

[Rockwood]

Can't say I know just where the piece fits, but I think I would start the search on a Trionyctid turtle.

[Carl]

That's a piece of chimaera jaw. The genus is Ischyodus and folks, predictably, will argue about the species.

[Rockwood]

The sad part is that I think Carl once identified a piece for me that is not so terribly different.

[Carl]

1 hour ago, Rockwood said:

The sad part is that I think Carl once identified a piece for me that is not so terribly different.

Don't feel bad, Rocky! This kind is the rarer preservation - I've only seen a handful like this in 28 years of collecting out there!

[Fossildude19]

Nice find, Jeff!    

And a great ID, Carl.   

Regards,

[PFOOLEY]

Nice find! 

[erose]

Yep, Carl knows his Big Brook fossils.

 

[Jeffrey P]

6 hours ago, Carl said:

That's a piece of chimaera jaw. The genus is Ischyodus and folks, predictably, will argue about the species.

Thanks Carl. I thought this was a rather mediocre day collecting, and not knowing what this was I assumed nothing special. Finding something rare certainly changes my view of the day. It also is very interesting to look at- that pattern really stands out.

[Pagurus]

I'm glad you held on to it Jeff. It is rather distinctive, even though I had no idea what it was. Thanks for the ID, Carl.

[Carl]

[fifbrindacier]

Nice Carl, you're an expert

[Carl]

Aw shucks, folks...

[abyssunder]

Kudos for Carl !
Some chimaerids for your delectation : A LATE CRETACEOUS CHIMAERID (CHONDRICHTHYES,HOLOCEPHALI) FROM SEYMOUR ISLAND, ANTARCTICA - BARBARA J. STAHL, SANKAR CHATTERJEE.pdf