2.9" Plesiosaur Fossil Vertebrae Cretaceous Dinosaur Era Morocco Zarafasaura COA
Location: Khouribga, Morocco
Weight: 7.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.9 Inches Long, 2.9 Inches Wide, 1.6 Inches Thick
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The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Plesiosaur Zarafasaura
Zarafasaura oceanis was a long-necked elasmosaurid marine reptile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. It belonged to the family Elasmosauridae, a group of plesiosaurs known for their elongated necks and powerful swimming abilities. The name Zarafasaura originates from the Arabic word “Aarafa,” meaning giraffe, combined with the Greek “sauros,” meaning lizard, referencing the animal’s distinctive proportions. The species name oceanis translates to “daughter of the sea” in Latin.
This marine reptile was formally described in 2011 by Dr. Peggy Vincent and colleagues from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, France, based on partial skull remains discovered in Morocco. Zarafasaura oceanis reached an estimated length of about 23 feet (7 meters) and inhabited warm, shallow marine environments along the margins of the ancient Tethys Sea. As a carnivorous predator, it likely fed on fish and small marine organisms, using its long neck and sharp teeth to capture prey with precision.
Zarafasaura oceanis represents an important addition to the fossil record, helping paleontologists better understand Late Cretaceous plesiosaur diversity in Africa and the final evolutionary stages of elasmosaurids before their extinction.
Please be aware of the nature of fossils:
Being buried under the ground for millions of years under tons of pressure tends to be rough. No fossil comes out of the ground whole and perfect. Most fossils have undergone some restoration, while others are altered by man simply to enhance their presentation in different ways. The workers in Morocco do a very professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures; however, commonly, natural cracks are visible on the surface. These are part of the natural beauty of the fossil and are not considered defects.
