In the early Mesozoic era, dinosaurs walked the Earth and heavy ferns covered the land in a hot climate, but one familiar danger lurked at the water’s edge: the ancient Phytosaur. This monstrous reptile was an early aquatic predator that struck with terrifying speed and power at anything unfortunate enough to cross its feeding grounds. While it resembled a modern crocodile, the phytosaur is far older and perhaps more frightening than the aquatic reptiles we know today.

This particular specimen is a 3.54" phytosaur fossil scute uncovered from the Redonda formation in New Mexico. The specimen comes with a metal stand customized for this particular fossil. An individual certificate of authenticity is also included.

Scutes, also known as osteoderms, were the primary armor of the Phytosaurs. They are not part of the skeleton but rather a growth within the skin. Osteoderm formation usually begins with small nodules of cartilage around which more dense material forms.

This scute is estimated to be around 210,000,000 years old and likely comes from the Redondasaurus, a genus of phytosaur found in the area. These creatures were some of the most evolutionarily advanced members of the phytosaur family.