Fossil Snake Vertebra – PALAEOPHIS MAGHREBIANUS – Eocene, Morocco

This listing features a genuine fossil snake vertebra from the extinct marine
snake species Palaeophis maghrebians, discovered in Eocene deposits of Morocco. This intriguing specimen represents a member of one of the largest snake genera known from the Paleogene, with marine adaptations akin to those of modern sea snakes.

Fossil Type & Species:

• Type: Vertebra (Axial skeleton)
• Genus: Palaeophis
• Species: maghrebians
• A marine-adapted snake with vertebrae optimized for lateral undulatory swimming in aquatic environments

Geological Context:

• Era: Cenozoic
• Period: Paleogene
• Epoch: Eocene (~56 to 33.9 million years ago)
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine and coastal settings indicating warm tropical conditions conducive to reptilian gigantism

Morphological Features:

• Elongated, laterally compressed vertebra with a high neural spine
• Well-preserved centrum and articulation facets
• Indicative of a powerful, sinuous swimming motion used by aquatic snakes

Scientific Importance:

• Palaeophis is part of the extinct family Palaeophiidae, known for some of the earliest fully aquatic snakes
• These fossils help trace the evolutionary history and ecological diversity of early marine reptiles

Taxonomic Classification:

• Order: Squamata
• Superfamily: Palaeophioidea
• Family: Palaeophiidae

Locality Information:

• Morocco – Eocene marine sediments rich in vertebrate fossils, including early whales, rays, and reptiles like Palaeophis

Authenticity & Display:

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen pictured is the exact one you will receive.

Please refer to the photograph for full sizing details — the scale cube = 1cm.

This rare Palaeophis maghrebians fossil vertebra is an extraordinary addition to any collection focused on fossil reptiles, marine evolution, or Eocene paleontology.