ENCHODUS SKULL WITH FANG & MOSASAURUS TOOTH BONE BED - Khouribga, Morocco

LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD:  96 - 66 million years ago

Never before have we seen such a remarkable Enchodus specimen.  This fantastic fossil bone bed is loaded with exquisitely preserved prehistoric marine life and is a perfect representation of how fossils are found in situ.

Representing countless hours in meticulous MANUAL preparation, we found it difficult to consider this piece "done" due to the multitude of beautifully preserved remains in this large block of matrix.  This Enchodus skull and bone bed was excavated from the phosphate mining region in Khouribga from the Oulad Abdoun Basin of Morocco, North Africa.  Loose fangs from this Enchodus are not uncommon but large and INTACT parts of the skull with the fang are extremely rare!  We fully exposed many of the fossils that were found in association with this skull.  There are Enchodus vertebrae, teeth fragments, an articulated caudal vertebral string and a SUPERB Mosasaurus beaugei tooth protruding up from the block, 2.25" in length along the leading edge.  None of the fossil was damaged in the preparation process.  The Enchodus fang sustained two hairline fractures when first found in the mine wall and has been repaired.  This is the only repair performed and in no way detracts from the value and rarity this fossil.  THIS IS NOT A COMPOSITE, ALL FOSSILS ARE PREPPED AS FOUND. 

We devoted a great deal of time in fully exposing the cranial cavity as seen in the second to the last photo.  The bones from the phosphate mines in Khouribga preserve wonderfully but are not mineralized and crumble like chalk.  Detail work like this is like brain surgery.  This entire skull portion was covered in the matrix and we were able to keep all of the detail of the skull cavities intact with no breakage.  This is the left anterior portion of the skull and includes the complete premaxilla region and sub-orbital portion.  All bones as well as the block of matrix have been chemically stabilized to ensure against breakage.

This large predatory bony fish was easily the "saber-tooth tiger" of the prehistoric oceans.  Judging from the massive fangs along with the streamlined body contour, the Enchodus was most likely a ferocious fish that struck it's prey with lightning quick attacks.  Unfortunately, seldom is heard about this killer outside of paleontological studies.  

This specimen comes with our highest recommendation and not only represents a stunning example of Cretaceous marine life but exhibits exquisite preparation of a complex bed of fragile associated fossils.

A BREATH-TAKING DISPLAY AS WELL AS A RARE AND IMPORTANT STUDY SPECIMEN 

10" x 6.75" with matrix, fang is 2.6" along the curve, skull w/ fang is 4.75" in length

SOLD     MV501          Actual Item - One Only