Description
- Crocodile Dermal Scute
- Species: Elosuchus cherifiensis
- Age: Cretaceous, Approx 100 Million Years Old
- Source: Morocco
- Size: Approx 160mm
- Exact item pictured
Crocodiles are one of the most ancient lineages on Earth, first appearing around 235 million years ago, they were the only survivors of the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. This fossil limb bone comes from Elosuchus cherifiensis, a giant crocodyliform that lived during the Cretaceous period in what is now North Africa. Elosuchus was a semi-aquatic predator, well adapted to both rivers and coastal environments, and could grow to several metres in length. Its long, narrow snout and powerful limbs made it a formidable hunter in the warm Cretaceous waterways.
The bones of Elosuchus are highly sought after by collectors for their size and excellent preservation. Limb bones like this one formed part of the animal’s sturdy legs, which supported its massive, armored body as it moved between land and water. The surface often shows natural texture and fine detail, offering a tangible connection to one of the largest crocodyliforms of its time.
Fossils from Morocco’s Kem Kem Beds are renowned for their rich diversity and high-quality preservation, capturing an ancient ecosystem filled with giant reptiles, fish, and early dinosaurs. Each Elosuchus bone is a genuine piece of Cretaceous history — a relic from a predator that once ruled the prehistoric rivers of Africa.
