Manatee ear bone fossil?

[JIMMFinsman]

I compared this to other manatee ear bone fossils online and it certainly matches up but I found this yesterday morning on the beach in Lewes Delaware. Thoughts?

[Fossildude19]

Does not look like bone to me. Wait for more informed opinions, though.

Cropped and brightened:

 

 

 

[Fin Lover]

This post has some pictures of manatee bullas:

 

It doesn't look like it to me.  I believe they are generally smoother, and they the shape doesn't look right.

 

Edited Friday at 01:31 PM by Fin Lover

[JIMMFinsman]

I've seen some that are the exact shape. I've seen rough and smooth. Here's and example of others

[Fin Lover]

 

 

While this could break off in a number of ways, I'm still not seeing it in your item, but see what others say.  

[Mahnmut]

Hi,

I am not at home at the moment, but I think I got something labeled Sirenian earbone that indeed resembles this shape. Can try to take photos in about two weeks.

Earbone seems to be no very precise term, so different parts of the skull surrounding the inner ear are reffered to as earbones, adding to the confusion.

Not sure about the texture, looks quite weathered.

Best regards,

J

[JIMMFinsman]

Excellent and thank you!  It did come out of the ocean so been tumbling for a few millennia 

[Plantguy]

@JIMMFinsman

Another interesting specimen to ponder about!! You are certain its boney--correct? seems to appear so.  

 

I know its worn but its general shape seems different than the manatee material I have and have seen. I look forward to seeing more pics of examples from others.

Those apparent holes/openings dont seem consistent with what I have either. I suppose tumbling on a beach could have enhanced the openings/what we are looking at. The openings in mine just seem extremely narrow, but I've not dissected one yet to see more to see what happens internally nor, have I looked online--photos of partials/complete examples are tough enough to find in the literature.

 

I could be flat out wrong but I'm wondering if it is an ear bone fragment that its from some other critter?  I cant get rid of the image/shape in my brain of the pinniped specimen that I acquired that I was originally told was bison as it was found with bison bones in the interior of the US. Bobby set me straight on that one. Maybe he'll have some time in the future to help..

 

Unfortunately I'm still trying to restore/retrieve some photos that I have/had so I've not got nothing photo wise to add to support my questions...

 

Someone please figure this out! I want to learn more about these crazy things...LOL. 

 

Regards, Chris