Fossilized pufferfish mouth plate (Diodontid jaw)
Chilomycterus cf. schoepfi (Burrfish) or Diodon sp. (Porcupinefish) • Body fossil, vertebrate element
Geological Period
Neogene (likely Pliocene to Pleistocene)
Estimated Age
2.5 to 5 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with significant phosphatization, leading to a dark brown, glossy, and durable mineralized finish.
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the specimen shows significant water-wear and rounding from tumbling in the surf zone, but the internal dental structure remains visible.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Tetraodontiformes, Family: Diodontidae, Genus: Chilomycterus or Diodon
Morphological Description
Elongated, slightly curved beak-like structure featuring a series of stacked, horizontal dental plates fused into a single biting unit. The surface shows a worn, occlusal face with distinct layered ridges or 'battery' of teeth used for crushing hard-shelled prey.
Rock Matrix
None (isolated specimen recovered from beach sediment/alluvium); originally associated with the Bone Valley Member or Tamiami Formation.
Formation & Location
Peace River Formation or Tamiami Formation; Venice Beach/Sarasota area, Florida.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 cm in length (typical for North American Atlantic fossil Diodontids).
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD (typically sold in bulk lots)
Rarity Assessment
Uncommon; while shark teeth are abundant on Venice Beach, mouth plates from pufferfish are less frequently recognized by casual beachcombers although they are locally present.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of warm-water marine ecosystems and the presence of specialized durophagous (shell-crushing) fish in the ancient Gulf of Mexico.
Preparation Recommendations
No chemical preparation required; rinse with fresh water to remove salt; store in a dry, padded container to prevent chipping of the mineralized edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'stacked' appearance of the dental laminae; the dark coloration is classic for Florida 'black gold' fossils found in phosphate-rich deposits.
Notes
Sarasota Fl Vince Beach