New Members mariatak Posted August 4, 2014 New Members Share Posted August 4, 2014 This stone is the centerpiece of the mantle above our fireplace, and we've always wondered what kind of fossil this is. Our house is in Los Angeles, but I don't know where the stone is from. It looks like some kind of lizard with fins for feet. It's about 12 inches from head to tail. What do you think this is? Full view: Close-ups: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 (edited) Looks like fish vertebra, but I see no articulated fins or the head, which are kind of necessary for further ID. I do see some fin bits, and ribs though. Regards, Edited August 4, 2014 by Fossildude19 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 IPFOTM -- MAY - 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpc Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 I also think it looks like a fish, but better, more focused pix would be a great help. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plax Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Tanystropheus? aquatic triassic lizard? am thinking I see hints of lizard limbs 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 Better, Well lit, in focus pics would help. Regards, 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 IPFOTM -- MAY - 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Members mariatak Posted August 4, 2014 Author New Members Share Posted August 4, 2014 Thank you - I'll try to take some better pictures and post them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyrannosaurusRex Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 I see what looks like the head. I will agree with aquatic lizard. Very nice fossil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 (edited) I will stick by my ID of fish, despite the current blurry pics. There is no record of Tanystropheus from California, as far as I know. There is record of Thalattosaurus, found in Shasta, but I don't think they are as commonly found as fish are in southern CA. . And we really do not know the provenance of the rock itself, as it is stuck in a wall. I think leaping ahead to an ID of aquatic lizard without clearer pictures is a bit premature. Regards, Edited August 5, 2014 by Fossildude19 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 IPFOTM -- MAY - 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plax Posted August 5, 2014 Share Posted August 5, 2014 am with you fossildude and that's why I used the question marks on my speculation, don't think this one can be put to rest until we get a better focussed pic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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