1.5" Plesiosaur Zarafasaura Tooth Fossil In Matrix Cretaceous Dinosaur Era COA

Location: Khouribga, Morocco

Weight: 9.8 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.6 Inches Long, 2.5 Inches Wide, 1.5 Inches Thick (Matrix)

Tooth Dimensions: 1.5 Inches Long, 0.4 Inches Wide

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Plesiosaur Zarafasaura

Zarafasaura oceanis was a long-necked marine reptile belonging to the Elasmosauridae family, a specialized group of plesiosaurs known for their elongated necks and powerful swimming abilities. The name Zarafasaura combines “Zarafa,” an Arabic word meaning giraffe, with the Greek word “saurus,” meaning lizard, a reference to its notably long neck. The species name oceanis translates to “daughter of the sea.”

This species was first described in 2011 by Dr. Peggy Vincent of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and her research team, based on partial skull material discovered in Morocco. These important fossil finds helped expand scientific understanding of Late Cretaceous plesiosaurs in North Africa.

Zarafasaura oceanis measured approximately 23 feet (7 meters) in length and lived during the Late Cretaceous, around 72 to 66 million years ago. As a marine carnivore, it hunted fish and other marine organisms in ancient oceans, using its long neck and sharp teeth to capture prey.

Plesiosaurs and the Plesiosauridae Legacy

Zarafasaura is part of the broader group Plesiosauria, which includes many different genera commonly grouped in popular art and media. Artistic depictions often fail to distinguish between specific plesiosaur types, and many illustrations are heavily influenced by cryptid legends such as the Loch Ness Monster, which has shaped public perception of these ancient marine reptiles.

Plesiosaurs as a group existed for an incredibly long span of time — from approximately 228 million years ago to 61.6 million years ago. They inhabited marine environments worldwide and were carnivorous, feeding on fish, squid, and other sea life. To date, paleontologists have identified over 900 individual plesiosaur specimens, reflecting their wide distribution and long evolutionary success.

Zarafasaura oceanis represents a fascinating and relatively recent discovery, offering valuable insight into the diversity of plesiosaurs and the marine ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous seas.

Please be aware of the nature of fossils:

Being buried underground for millions of years under immense pressure can be rough. Rarely does a fossil emerge fully intact and perfect. Most fossils require some restoration, and some are modified by humans to improve their appearance. Moroccan workers are highly skilled in discovering and conserving these natural treasures, though natural cracks often appear on the surface. These cracks are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not faults.