Elosuchus cherifiensis
Era: Mesozoic
Period: Cretaceous
Age: Cenomanian-Turonian (100.5 - 89.8 Ma)
Formation: Ifezouane (Red sand)
Origin: Kem-Kem Valley, Begaa, near Taouz
Province: Errachidia, Morocco
Coordinates: 30°53'53.7"N 3°51'48.6"W
Measurements: 67 x 59 x 19 mm / 2,63 x 2,32 x 0,75"
Weight: 77 g / 0,170 lb
Description: 100% natural piece, without repairs or paint. Osteodermal plate found in the skin or scales of crocodiles. These ossifications are not part of the skeleton and are found in several unrelated genera: in dinosaurs such as Ceratosaurus, in mammals such as Mylodon, and in reptiles such as archosaurs. Their function also varies, from defense to courtship rituals. In crocodiles, their primary function is heat absorption, acting like solar cells. As blood flows through these bony structures, they heat up and distribute that heat throughout the body, enabling them to carry out daily activities and metabolism, since these poikilotherms need heat to perform all their functions. They also provide invaluable protection for crocodilians against their enemies, as they have a carapace of these osteoderms covering their entire back and even their head.


Information: The Kem Kem beds are located along the Moroccan border with Algeria. These are continental deposits belonging to the Cretaceous period, specifically to the Cenomanian stage (100.5 - 93.9 million years). The area is composed of a spectacular stone cliff that stretches over 250 kilometers in length and comprises a powerful sequence of between 150-200m of siltstones and fluvial sandstones. Several species of vertebrates, including elasmobranchs, bony fish, coelacanths, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, dinosaurs, and birds have been found in this area. It is for this reason that various researchers from the most prestigious universities have referred to this site as "an area where danger lurks by land, sea and air." All of them agree that this site "constitutes a window to the Age of Dinosaurs in Africa." It is precisely here, in Kem Kem, where the fossil remains of three of the largest predatory dinosaurs ever known have been found.


This piece will travel insured in a safety package to arrive in perfect condition.