Pufferfish Mouthplate
Tetraodontidae cf. Diodon (Porcupinefish/Pufferfish dental plate) • Body fossil, vertebrate remains (dental plate)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene)
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years old
Preservation Type
Permineralization and fossilization of dense dental enameloid and bone material
Condition Assessment
Good, showing minor wear on the edges but maintaining clear structural integrity of the central suture and crushing surfaces
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Tetraodontiformes, Family: Tetraodontidae, Genus: Diodon or related tetraodontid
Morphological Description
Small, oblong dental plate characterized by a distinct central median suture line dividing the fusing crushing plates, with a textured, mosaic-like occlusal surface designed for crushing hard-shelled prey such as crustaceans and mollusks.
Rock Matrix
Isolated specimen removed from matrix, typical of marine phosphate deposits or river gravels
Formation & Location
Peace River Formation, Florida, USA or similar marine Neogene deposits worldwide
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1 to 2 centimeters in length, consistent with medium-sized fossil pufferfish or porcupinefish mouthplates
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
15 to 45 USD
Auction Estimate
20 to 50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, frequently found by fossil hunters in the phosphate mines and rivers of Florida
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient marine trophic structures and the presence of durophagous (shell-crushing) predators in shallow tropical to subtropical Miocene/Pliocene seas
Preparation Recommendations
No aggressive preparation needed; gentle washing in water and optional application of a thin, stable consolidant if fragile, stored in a dry environment
Notable Features
Exhibits the characteristic beak-like fusion of teeth into a specialized upper or lower dental plate adapted for a durophagous diet