Another fossil skull - it could be the missing piece! [rare marlin fossil]

This video is from the same location where I found that Eocene billfish skull about two years ago. I found two more bone clusters, maybe 50m (150ft) from the previous two. It would be awesome if they are from the same fish, but I will be happy if it's from a similar species.
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#fossil #shark #paleontology

[@Yves95128]

Hi, When I was a kid staying at my grand parents' in Normandy, I found 2 great fossils, one was (to me , 10 years old) "femoral head from humanoid missing link" and later I found a "vertebrae from the same ancestors". A few years ago I had them looked at by a biologist paleontologist, actually the "femoral head" is a sea sponge and the "vertebrae" is a star fish from pre-cambrian era, 650 millions years old, early simple form of life...still a very cool find. Not only Normandy didn't exist back then but also none of today's continents and the fact that I can touch this thing from a wayyyy remote past is wonderful to me.

[@finlaymorgan1405]

Just as fascinating

[@adonisjesien]

just awesome!

[@Lilith-Rose]

They definitely look like echinoid spines, they've been deposited from multiple individuals that have decomposed prior to deposition. What happens is the spines from dead urchins get washed around in currents and accumulate in depressions on the sea bed which are then covered by more sediment and preserved as a lens or layer. A very good thing to look for if you are after sediment for sifting because it is naturally concentrated area of denser material. The currents and the depression in the sediment act kind of like a gold pan does and collects the spines along with possibly other shells, bones and even teeth. Definitely worth taking a bucket and collecting samples from areas like that for processing at home

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much for this great info!! I'll definitely be going back to that size to find some more cool bits and pieces so might do that the next time

[@Lilith-Rose]

@@MamlamboFossils no worries, strong sandwich bags make good containers for gathering it if you want to take multiple samples from different locations but I would recommend using a cloth tote bag to put them in and then putting in the rucksack incase of rupture, and a pallet knife or trulla spatula (also sold as widgers for transplanting seedlings) make ideal tools for gathering the material from soft substrates like siltstones, that or an old stainless steel spoon. Additional word of warning for gathering iron pyrite from a marine environment is that from my experience it has a tendency to decompose from atmospheric moisture over time. B72 should prevent that, and if you are cutting/polishing it then it might not be an issue. Not fully sure why it happens but metal sulphides like pyrite just seem particularly unstable when they've been in contact with salt water (learned that lesson the hard way with pyritised wood i picked up as a kid turning into fluffy yellowish white powder that smells of rotton eggs and destroys the surface it is sitting on, much like what happens to aluminium that has been exposed to salt water)

[@michaelsnyder4642]

Exactly what Lilith-Rose said. I have seen deposits like this while snorkeling in protected bays in the Caribbean.

[@CalGcastglassnz]

Crazy cool knowledge to share! As a beginner I really appreciate a 💯 % sure bet tip like that...rest of the time I'm sure I'm just stoned imagining I can see fossils with no way of knowing 😅🤗

[@Lilith-Rose]

@@CalGcastglassnz no worries. Something I would always recommend is a quick Google for "*area you are looking/your location* fossils", it's a really good way of getting an idea of what you are looking for as well as good visual references, even tips on exactly where to look for things and which rock type holds which fossils. Even with the experience I have I still like to refresh my memory before a trip out because it can be easy to miss things. For identifying your finds there are tons of forums out there, both general and focused on certain areas/fossil types, so I'd recommend at least browsing those even if you don't post yourself, and of course local museums are often very happy to help out too (some might ask you to call or email ahead to make sure there will be someone around that can help you) and enjoy doing that for interested members of the public because knowledge on their specific interest is something they enjoy sharing. Personally I'm uk based but there is a lot of crossover globally as well as more unique places like the nz marine mammal and crustacean deposits, hence I really enjoy this channel.

[@trexvalleygirl2770]

Your excitement at your finds is what makes it rewarding to watch. Where I see only dark rocks, you can see the creatures they once were. Truly fascinating. Theresa

[@MamlamboFossils]

I think it's easier to see it in person, it doesn't always show up well in the videos! I'm glad you're enjoying it, thanks for watching and always commenting - it is really appreciated!

[@bushyman477]

I remember on my university geology trip, I scrounged around in a river and found a nice 1inch sized chunk of cuboid pyrite, so stoked...then somehow, promptly lost it before I could bring it home...the one that got away; gone but not forgotten :'(

[@MamlamboFossils]

I have a nice cube that I got from my grandfather - I love it so much!! Maybe you will find it again one day!

[@jeweltorkelson]

Oh my God I've done that before, huuuuurrtttsss

[@snookwestwest2298]

I found an Indian arrow head a few months back with my kids. One of my boys asked to see it, they passed it around to each other, I got distracted and it disappeared! LOL!!

[@WorldofRockhounds]

Lots of lovely find. The pyrite nodules were very cool finds too!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yes it was! I had a great day out, it was a long fossil hunt but I had fun!

[@sandraanderson217]

I love how excited you get! Always look forward to your videos! Thank you

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Sandra!

[@padego58]

Never fails to impress, great finds!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks bro!

[@catherinehubbard1167]

I can almost smell that salty ocean scent and feel the cold, moist air. Absolutely fascinating and so refreshing. Thank you for taking us along on your fossil hunting beach walks.

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure Catherine! Glad you could come along virtually!

[@novabigstar1509]

That is an amazing find either way but if it is the same animal that would be the icing on the cake. Very cool! On another note, that is so cool you can find iron pyrite in your area. A fun endeavor would be to try and make a stone-on-stone fire using the iron pyrite. I've never done it myself but know it is possible. Great hunt !

[@MamlamboFossils]

Oooh, I'll have to look into that, I've never heard of that!

[@joycebrewer4150]

The idea is to strike sparks with the pyrite rocks, similar to the flint and steel fire starters that were common before invention of matches.

[@GaliSinatra]

You have such a great eye for fossils! Thanks for helping us see what you see, especially those of us who will never be able to do it.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much!

[@billrobbins5874]

Everytime you allow us time to pick out the fossil, dang, wrong again! Could you make sweatshirts or tee shirts from some of your uncovered fossils? Some of those crabs would be super cool! ♥️🐧♥️

[@Ontario_Rockhound]

Awesome finds Mamlambo I hope that bone is the same as the skull, I still remember that video of when you found the skull, it was such a cool find!!

[@largent45]

What absolutely killer finds! Wow i hope they fit! That would be amazing! Good luck!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much largent45! I hope they fit together!

[@franciscahazlet4021]

You are always finding great fossils. Those will keep you busy prepping them. Hope they turn out great. Well done my friend. Be blessed.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Francisca!!

[@alignwithsarah]

I love watching your videos. The hunting parts are like walking with a friend. My kids and I are wondering why you don't find fossilized turtles

[@MamlamboFossils]

Ah that's so cool to hear! I have found a few fossil turtles, the were probably a little bit less common in my areas than the whales and crabs but they have been found.

[@studio107bgallery4]

We found some fossilized turtles in the northwest corner of New Mexico, whole bed of them

[@valiantwarrior4517]

Spectacular. The two pieces do look like they could be from the same specimen. The sediment colors and the weathering are very similar. Hopefully the ocean will be kind enough to uncover more in that area. The temperature dropped to around -10 celsius here last night, but somehow the water and waves make it look colder there. 😄 Thanks for the adventure, noble sir.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Maybe one day I will find the sword part of the swordfish 🤣

[@valiantwarrior4517]

@@MamlamboFossils That would be so amazing. 🤞🏻

[@sarang1only]

@@MamlamboFossils If in any case you found the sword part of the swordfish within a stone and after you pull it out you'll be the New King Arthur of this era.✌😂

[@jbh1983]

Such great content. Thank you for sharing with us all.

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!

[@adameliezer4723]

Definetly looks to be a bit of plasteron. Also yes it does seem like that the other piece is fish material. Additionally I would love to see both sections acid etched and prepped. You could see a lot of teeth in the rostrum which would be exciting.

[@MamlamboFossils]

I think billfish have really tiny teeth but I am excited!

[@D989501L]

Hi Their, always interesting watching you find and explain about the fossills you find. I does pay off as I have been looking on the ground after harvest when they have ploughed the fields up behind me, the upside is that I have found various old fossilised shells and sea urchins the down side is I walk into a lot of stuff 🙂 all the best as always Richard 🇬🇧

[@MamlamboFossils]

That is so awesome Richard! There will probably be shark teeth around there as well!

[@D989501L]

I will have to have a closer look, when I find a Megladon tooth you'll be the first to know🙂

[@wigglewiggle3789]

You are committed I will give you that. And you do your own stunts. Respect. I don't know how you can see there is something in a stone. Hurts my eyes and brain. Loved the vid, awesome as always. Take care brother.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Hahahah love the stunt comment. Thanks so much bro!

[@jakemoeller7850]

How exciting to go fossil hunting! It is one of my favorite activities. Northern Arizona offers some spectacular marine fossils from the ancient ocean that once covered this area. Have fun 😃👍😃👍😃

[@LillianArch]

Beach combing with you is always a fun way to spend a day! Thanks!!

[@TeamFishweights]

Thats friggin awesome!! Also those pyrite clusters are cool!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Someone said they could be coprolites which would be cool!

[@TeamFishweights]

@@MamlamboFossils shark poop 😆

[@2wahineandadog]

Wow that would be super super cool if it completed your original billfish - fingers crossed!!!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

It's like a ancient jigsaw puzzle!

[@johnscanlon8467]

Rather than sea urchin spines, could they be ribs? Just above them (e.g. middle of screen at 5:39) there seem to be an articulated series of spool-shaped structures (vertebral bodies?) with triangular downward-pointing projections (hypapophyses?) that could be fish, but particularly remind me of the Eocene marine snake Palaeophis, known from most northern continents but not previously here in the south.

[@King.DAVid.III2022]

Thanks, rock hunting is ever thrilling even when someone else is finding 👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!!

[@grayhaven451]

Amazing hunt buddy. I hope those skull pieces match up.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Me too!!

[@allegg8804]

Thank you for bringing us with you. Enjoy your smile of happiness.

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure Al!

[@suziperret468]

Thanks. Loved watching you hunt for these incredibly old fossils.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Glad you like them!!

[@brucetaylor2887]

Very cool. When people ask me what I'm looking for at the beach I sometimes tell them, "I'm hunting Moa."

[@respectanimals2]

That’s amazing , I think you might have actually found those missing pieces , now get back out there and find the rest of that beast , I’m loving it , great vid , peace ✌️

[@MamlamboFossils]

It has to be out there somewhere!

[@markcantemail8018]

It was 25 F here this morning . Orchard Park received 66 Inches of Snow in 24 hours . Your cold Beach looks warm . Thank you for The video .

[@finlaymorgan1405]

I appreciate the time key, I’m not super familiar with ages like Eocene or jurrasic and such

[@bfarm44]

I have to say thanks to your channel my boys and I have an easier time identifying fossils at the cliffs by Point Judith and have a nice pile to work on after we finish the new workshop.

[@MamlamboFossils]

That's so awesome!!!

[@ryodenshipwright]

Great stuff man. Kudos. Maybe in a future video you could explain the chemical process that forms the hardened concretion around the fossilizing organic matter? The lone nodules in the softer siltstone is very curious to me.

[@sleighridefishing9027]

What a find! And those 2 fossils sure look like they are from the same fish!!! Erosion would not get them to match up 100% perfectly, as you know, but I'm willing to bet that's from the same fish! Are there many marlin fossils to see what the top of the skull looks like?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I was looking online to see if I could find any 3d models but I couldn't see any, I'll keep looking though

[@sleighridefishing9027]

@@MamlamboFossils I figured not many would be have been found, if any at all! I'm very excited to see what you are able to find, as I know you are too! Keep up the awesome work and amazing videos coming!

[@connorwithak5204]

I'd love to have that 1st septerian concretion you found. It was so nice!

[@connorwithak5204]

Anyway we could trade??!😂

[@daz6372]

It would be astronomically lucky if those two fit together. No point in buying a lottery ticket, cause you've used all your luck 😂😂

[@MamlamboFossils]

That would be so amazing and lucky 😄

[@chrisstaylor8377]

I’ve looked for and found Dino bone in paradox valley Colorado . It’s great when you spot it ,

[@tinadelaluz3197]

Amazing! Congratulations on a great hunt. So much fun to watch!

[@josephcormier5974]

Ohh I do hope that they are from the same animal awesome video great content excellent Hunt thank you for sharing six Stars brother

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Joseph! I appreciate it!

[@leewoodrough242]

I 100% believe those two skull pieces fit together! I can’t wait to see it cleaned up!

[@infantryattacks]

You make fascinating videos. Thanks for explaining your finds in layman's terms.

[@sasalele87]

Love your videos man 😊

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Sasa!

[@bfarm44]

Love the specimens of ocean floor we retrieved from Sandia Peak again recently. Funny people walking around saying “I don’t see any fossils!” While standing on ocean floor 330 million years old 11,300 feet in the air. We do try and be helpful to show and explain but many tune out. Guess it’s not as exciting for some

[@lucienwinter4515]

Definitely sea urchin spines, likely a bed of them that were washed together

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Lucience!

[@alexandermelchers1497]

Pretty amazing to have found another piece to that billfish skull you found last year! If it's at the same site, it's definitely possible it's from the same animal. It looks a bit more worn and beach-rolled for one, and it wouldn't be unheard of for fossils to be gradually exposed on a beach like that. In fact, I recently read an Instagram post about a plesiosaur specimen from the Jurassic Coast that had been collected over the period of 10 (!!) years! Besides, what are the chances of such a perfect match in terms of anatomical connection? Either way, awesome find!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Alexander! Yeah, it's from the same beach, maybe about 100m (300ft) from the other one.

[@alexandermelchers1497]

@Mamlambo Fossils In that case, judging from how well it fits in the video, I'd say it's from the same individual. Did you have time to work on the material to confirm this yet? Very cool! 😎

[@dalicia4131]

I’ll buy rocks for my grandchildren to paint, but I recently found one and I’m pretty sure it’s bone sticking out in a triangle shape. Even looks like possible holes for eyes. Can I send you a photo? I’ve seen your videos so now I see rock’s differently lol

[@jonmichaelharmon763]

I think those are sea urchin spines spread out. I see similar spin patterns in CA mudstone.

[@ForgottenFossils]

Super interesting

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!

[@cheylikespie]

PLEASE upload a video whenever you clean up the top of that skull. I would LOOOVE to see if it fits!!! Even if not, I gotta see what that vertebra look like haha. How long does it normally take you to clear the rock from a fossil?

[@MamlamboFossils]

It will take a number of months 😀 especially since I am still working on the penguin

[@spikewillow4552]

Wow amazing finds dude.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks 👍!!

[@marchofstetter8313]

Rock on!

[@stonedsasquatch]

Sure look to be from the same skull, outstanding. I've found missing broken off pieces a few times in my hunts but never anything that wild.

[@timeepicvideos]

cool vid man love the fossil hunting vids you sound like you from cape town

[@gabem6362]

I never get tired watching the geological tour..

[@irischicklinda]

Awesome. !!!

[@alansdorsetfossils4028]

Hi Mamlambo your are talking Iron Pyrite and possibility of polishing. Well you know more for sure than I do about polishing. I'd like to tell you about pyrite skinned nodules of Jurassic age we can find on the Yorkshire coast of England. Some collectors polish them and they are call cannonball doggers. They come up like pure gold and are beautiful. Excuse the terminology it has other connotations I know. They vary in size from a few inches to 7 or 8. If you want to polish them its best to collect from recent cliff falls rather than stuff tumbled around and exposed to sea water. As you will know pyrite can be stable or unstable. The stable nodules I'm told are likely those not exposed to sea water. By the way I love your collecting videos.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Alan! That's some good info - those golden pyrite nodules you find in Yorkshire is just amazing!

[@2flight]

you are amazing. I have to pay a lot more attention!

[@patrickforget5088]

That long fossil that you found in the cliff-side that reminds me of a bobbit worm cuz it looks like it has the spines out the side and down on your right hand side towards the end kind of look like the bobbit worms head I could be wrong but it sure as hell looked like one

[@chancerichardson9110]

Send a sample of it off to see how simler the mineral composition is ?

[@MamlamboFossils]

It's definitely from the same formation!

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Have you been to the UK. Please visit Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Lulworth Cove, and Whitby.

[@MamlamboFossils]

I'd love to one day!

Vi umas jaspes ao lado daquela rocha preta e branca que você pegou e se eu ganhesse uma delas dai desse mar eu ficaria grata. Tem muito Jasper e agate nessas beira mar...manda uns pra Alê 🙌

[@1220b]

I found a whole fossil fish( foot long ) In Northamptonshire,when I was 10 years old. My dad stuck it in the garden. When we moved I left it behind.

[@hplarli510]

Love ur content, Greets from Switserland

[@ArmyJay]

I think you’re in luck. Surely it’s more of a coincidence that two different animals left fossils that are the same as the missing pieces of each other & less of a coincidence that it’s from the same animal. They were found so close together. I reckon they’re the same skull.

[@MamlamboFossils]

I hope so too! I'll have to see how well they fit together!

[@mrsseasea]

It’s crazy how you can spot a rock and notice bone? I think I would come back with all types of rock saying it’s bone, but is not.

[@MamlamboFossils]

I've brought many back home that weren't fossils 😂

[@ebaab9913]

I am curious if you are fossicing in North or South Island. I have done some with the group that found the giant penguin, in the very well known North island west coast area. We did not know how to look for bones, I should try again, as that area is very rich in fossils.

[@KrisPSouls9258]

I would be just as excited about the living animals as I am the fossils. I get so side tracked at any beaches. 😂

[@MamlamboFossils]

I do get quite distracted by the wildlife sometimes!

[@jalspach9215]

Sea urchin(s) crushed in life. Debris then collected/spread in rill trough (why it's linear) & buried. If this is the case there should be remnants of other marine flora/fauna intermingled. I'm a diver & have seen this scenario consistently over 45 years.

[@mixell2021]

lekker find. love you videos.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Dankie!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@mixell2021]

@@MamlamboFossils dude carry on carrying on

[@spadebraithwaite1762]

Twenty years ago I was in Mozambique so I got a bus up the coast. There had been a big storm and a lot of the sand had washed out. I found a flat rock with about eighty partial hominin footprints and one perfect one. Size 6 and a half, the same as my wife. I was very excited. I took the best photograph I could of a fossilized footprint and when I got back to the States I printed it out and mailed it to all the paleoanthropologists I could find. Nobody was slightly interested.

[@oculusangelicus8978]

The section of what you called "sea Urchin" spikes pointing out of the cliff face could actually be a pancaked puffer fish sp.? We know that modern puffer fish have interlocking bone spikes inder their skin that can be raised by the muscle under the skin, I've seen a number of them being cleaned for cooking to know what they look like, but modern puffer fish bone spikes are considerably larger than those but that doesn't mean that it couldn't be some earlier species with much finer spikes, like a porcupine's quills? I'm just grasping at straws here but perhaps it is some kind of fish with lots of spines?

[@Stadtpark90]

I sometimes forget that the left side of the road is the right side of the road to drive on in your country… - got sweaty for a short panic second when I saw that oncoming traffic…

[@dianadelahaye7660]

Very interesting and fun to watch.

[@cameronmcintosh5481]

Some more amazing finds! Was this at Hampden beach?

[@TheFossilFiend]

@3:15 is that a pyrite coprolite?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I was wondering that as well, I'm not sure if it is!

[@vernsrocksstuff5989]

Very cool 😎👍

[@ashleyjones7375]

That's exciting... I hope it is a match and fits.. we're they found close?

[@oculusangelicus8978]

What are the chances of that smaller bit of bone being part of the Skull you found earlier? I'd say that if they were found in the same area, and the shape of the missing piece of the larger section is almost the same as the smaller piece you found, the chances of it being from the same animal are pretty good. separated by two years may make it seem like the chances are slim but because they match very closely they probably are from the same animal. The Chances of another animal skill breaking off in the same shape as the one that you found two years ago is far more distant than it being from the same animal. Very nice find!

[@gayeinggs5179]

Down the Transkei coast at port Alfred the cliffs there are full of fossils we used to dig them Out there huge clam she Lbs and petrified wood

[@chrisstaylor8377]

How will you process your finds for display

[@pvtglarson1]

im an ignorant person so forgive my ignorant question but is it possible to use nitrogen to freeze a thin layer of the concretions in order to chip away at them to get to the fossils on the inside?

[@MamlamboFossils]

You don't need to Freeze the rock before removing it, I just use an air scribe 😀

[@evelync268]

I think when you mentioned sea urchins and as the audiance what we think it was... I'm gonna guess Stingray.

[@mojolycan2148]

Some nice fines brother

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks bro!!

[@gibsons7057]

Nice work.. Check for gold flakes on the top layer of that blue clay where it meets the gravel...

[@sherylcrowe3255]

Thanks ✌️ Could that iron be smelted..?

[@OspreyVision]

How do you clean up the rocks, so we can see the fossils? Great video 📹 👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Air scribes and vinegar mostly!

[@OspreyVision]

@@MamlamboFossils >> Thank you!

[@TrapaholicNZ]

hi have u been taranaki area .found a rock few days ago got some spiral looking pieces in there would love to know wat they are

Ppr favor coloque legendas em Português. Gosto muito de seus videos e me interessa o assunto. Obrigado Alê Garimpo

[@jonashagstrom4664]

Could be giant tubular foraminifera. There are similar ones from Antarctica of about the same age.

[@douglashall2141]

The possible that you said look like it had a tooth in it, look like the lower jaw of a barracuda

[@MamlamboFossils]

I'll go back and check it out!

[@robertstano6036]

Enjoying this episode without annoying music. I find music in the background tends to lose what is being said.

[@savagesquirrel9828]

The “sea urchin spines” reminded me of snake ribs. Could it be eel ribs?

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Looking forward to them being prepped

[@MamlamboFossils]

I'll put them in the queue 😀

[@13Odrade]

Thanks for the sharing ! A nice treasure hunt again. By the way : you drive much too fast ! And on the wrong side of the road !

[@MamlamboFossils]

😄 that's how I feel watching US driving! 🤣

[@RonG1960]

How about an image of what the creature looked like?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I show it in this video if I recall correctly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX7PdIWhrK6aZpo

[@luisfcayo]

This site looks like the Kiln of the first flame, the final boss location from dark souls.

[@nze3685]

2:11 its better to not polish pyrite its not often that people do that most of the time leaving it as it is is better and looks better

[@nze3685]

keep it as a specimen would be my advice but if you like it polished then go for it

[@javierhillier4252]

when will we get an update on the penguin series

[@MamlamboFossils]

I'm hoping to have it done in the next month

[@pierocells]

Quelle technique pour mettre à jour l'âme d'un galet ! Et patience...nice prospection untill it appears !