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HUGE INTACT EODIAPHYODUS FISH MOUTH CRUSHER PLATE - Khouribga Phosphates - Morocco LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 - 66 million years ago This is a huge fossil Eodiaphyodus granulosus mouth crusher plate found in the Late Cretaceous phosphates of Khouribga, Morocco. The large bony fish Eodiaphyodus possessed this array of crushing teeth toward the back of its throat. This was used to crush the bone and shell of its prey prior to swallowing to aid in killing and digestion. The beautiful detail of the teeth are reminiscent of a cobblestone street. Specimens of these are now harder to locate than they were years ago. This is at the top of the size range and has not incurred any damage. A portion of original matrix is still attached. INTACT WITH NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. Eodiaphyodus was a member of the suborder Albuloidea. This large fish shared this group with other bony and tarpon-like fishes such as Paralbula, Phyllodus, Pseudoegertonia and Egertonia. All of these fish possessed the mouth crusher plate feature. THE LARGEST INTACT SPECIMEN WE'VE OFFERED - RARE IN THIS SIZE AND WITHOUT BREAKAGE 4.5" x 3.5" overall with matrix, mouth plate is 4" across SOLD MV29-001 Actual Item - One Only |
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