3" Fossil Mosasaur (Clidastes) Caudal Vertebra - Texas

Fossil Mosasaur (Clidastes) Caudal Vertebra - Texas #284471

This is a 3" wide caudal vertebra from a mosasaur (Clidastes sp.), collected from the Upper Cretaceous-aged Pecan Gap Chalk in Texas. The bone preservation is excellent, featuring partially intact transverse processes and pedicles.

Clidastes is an extinct aquatic lizard belonging to the mosasaur family. Clidastes was one of the smaller types of mosasaurs. Although some species were larger, the average length of this genus is only a few meters, or about 10 feet in length. This mosasaur was also slimmer than the others with a narrower ribcage, giving it a more sleek or eel-like look. It was probably very agile and able to chase down smaller prey.

Mosasaur size comparison

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