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FINEST
GRADE EODIAPHYODUS
FISH MOUTH CRUSHER PLATE
Khouribga Phosphates - Morocco
LATE
CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 - 66 million years ago
This
is a SUPERB 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.
FINE
QUALITY EXAMPLES LIKE THESE ARE BECOMING HARDER TO ACQUIRE 4" x 3.5" overall with matrix,
mouth plate is 3.6" across
$165
F010 Actual Item - One
Only
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