Carnivore Coprolite with Numerous Fish Scales

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Coprolite with fish bone/scale and shell inclusions

Bottom of coprolite showing numerous fish scale incusions

Magnified image of fish bone and scale inclusions

Top of coprolite showing locations of magnified views

Magnified image of shell and fish scale inclusion on top of coprolite

Magnified image of fish bone inclusions on top of coprolite

Fish scale inclusions on top surface of coprolite

Magnified image of fish scale inclusions on top surface of coprolite

View of bottom of coprolite showing location of magnfied images

Magnified image of fish scale inclusions on bottom surface of coprolite

Magnified image of fish scales and longitudinal striations likely left by an inclusion that fell away from the surface

Fossil Type

Marine Carnivore Coprolite

Inclusions

Fish ganoid scales

Fish bones

Shell

Composition

Apatitic

Formation

Lower Lias (Blue Lias)

Period

Jurassic - Sinemurian

Dimensions

5.5 x 4.5 x 2.3 cm

This coprolite is loaded with shiny rhombic (diamond-shaped) fish scale and bone inclusions. Based on the shape and size of the scales, small fish such as Pholidorphus or a juvenile Furo were on the menu. Many of the loosely formed coprolites found in this area are attributed to prehistoric marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. However, currently there is no way of knowing for sure which creature was the actual poopetrator.

Gallery

Creature Feature