Marine reptile remains
Ichthyosaur and plesiosaur vertebrae, teeth and bone fragments.
Triassic to Cretaceous; British finds are mostly Jurassic. · Experienced to find
What is it?
The Jurassic seas held ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and marine crocodiles, and their remains turn up along the Dorset, Somerset and Yorkshire coasts. Isolated vertebrae and bone fragments are the usual finds; articulated material is rare and scientifically important.
What does it look like?
Vertebrae are disc-shaped with a dished face and are heavy for their size. Teeth are conical, striated and glossy.
How to identify it
- 01A dished, plate-like disc with a rough rim is usually a vertebra.
- 02Bone is dense, dark and spongy inside.
- 03If you find articulated bone in situ, photograph it, note the position and contact the local museum or a warden — do not attempt to excavate it.
Where to find marine reptile remains in the UK
- 01Lyme RegisDorset · DorsetAmmonites · Belemnites · Bivalves · Marine reptile remainsBeginnerFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
- 02CharmouthDorset · DorsetAmmonites · Belemnites · Bivalves · Fossilised woodBeginnerFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →
- 03Kimmeridge BayDorset · DorsetAmmonites · Bivalves · Fossilised wood · Marine reptile remainsModerateFamily friendlyBeach, Cliff, Geological siteExplore location →
- 04Kilve BeachSomerset · SomersetAmmonites · Belemnites · Bivalves · Marine reptile remainsModerateFamily friendlyBeach, Geological siteExplore location →
- 05Aust CliffSouth Gloucestershire · Gloucestershire and the SevernShark teeth · Bivalves · Marine reptile remainsExperiencedCliff, Geological siteExplore location →
- 06WhitbyNorth Yorkshire · Yorkshire and the North East coastAmmonites · Belemnites · Jet · BivalvesEasyFamily friendlyBeach, CliffExplore location →