Description
Genuine Goniopholis Crocodile Tooth Fossil from Durlston Bay, Dorset
An authentic fossil crocodile tooth from the prehistoric genus Goniopholis, recovered from the famous Durlston Formation of the Purbeck Beds at Durlston Bay, Swanage, Dorset, UK. This remarkable vertebrate fossil dates to the Early Cretaceous and represents one of the ancient semi-aquatic crocodilians that inhabited the lagoons, rivers and coastal wetlands of prehistoric southern England.
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Full sizing please see photo.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison to preserve the natural detail and integrity of the fossil.
About Goniopholis
Goniopholis was an extinct genus of neosuchian crocodilian that lived from the Late Jurassic into the Early Cretaceous. These prehistoric crocodiles belonged to the Family Goniopholididae and were among the dominant freshwater predators of their time. Fossils of Goniopholis have been discovered throughout Europe, including several important British localities within the Purbeck Group of Dorset.
This crocodilian possessed an elongated body, powerful tail and heavily armoured skin covered with bony osteoderms. It likely resembled a modern crocodile in appearance and behaviour, inhabiting rivers, lagoons and marshlands where it preyed upon fish, amphibians and smaller vertebrates.
The teeth of Goniopholis are highly distinctive and sought after by collectors. They commonly display a conical shape with fine enamel ornamentation and natural wear patterns produced during feeding. These teeth were adapted for gripping slippery prey within aquatic environments rather than slicing flesh like the teeth of large predatory dinosaurs.
Geological Formation and Age
This specimen originates from the renowned Durlston Formation within the Purbeck Beds of Dorset. These fossil-bearing deposits date to the earliest Cretaceous period and are internationally recognised for their exceptionally preserved vertebrate fossils.
The Purbeck Group represents a complex series of lagoonal, freshwater and marginal marine sediments deposited during fluctuating environmental conditions near the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. Fine limestones, shales and mudstones within the sequence created ideal conditions for fossil preservation over millions of years.
Durlston Bay is one of the most historically important fossil localities in Britain and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The area has produced fossils of crocodilians, dinosaurs, fish, turtles, insects and plants, offering a detailed glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems that existed approximately 145 million years ago.
Fossil Preservation and Preparation
This genuine crocodile tooth fossil has been carefully prepared to reveal the natural enamel texture and structural detail while preserving the integrity of the specimen. The tooth displays authentic fossilisation with natural mineralisation formed during millions of years buried within sedimentary rock.
Each fossil from this locality is unique, with variations in colour, preservation and matrix composition. No replicas or artificial casts are involved.
The professional preparation carried out by Alison ensures the specimen remains stable and suitable for long-term collecting, study and display.
A Superb Addition to Any Fossil Collection
This authentic Goniopholis crocodile tooth fossil is ideal for:
- Fossil collectors
- Crocodilian fossil collections
- Jurassic Coast collections
- British vertebrate fossil collections
- Educational displays
- Natural history enthusiasts
- Dinosaur age fossil collections
- Geological study collections
Crocodilian fossils from the Purbeck Beds are highly collectible due to their rarity, historical importance and direct connection to the ancient ecosystems of Cretaceous Britain.
Certificate of Authenticity Included
All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. We personally recover many of our fossils from UK localities and professionally prepare them in-house to ensure authenticity and quality.
The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, making this a unique and genuine piece of prehistoric natural history from the famous fossil-bearing deposits of Dorset, England.
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