Theropod Tooth - Megalosaurid/Ceratosaur (Niger) #17

Description

A rare Jurassic theropod tooth from the Tiouraren Formation (Niger).  This is a partial tooth missing its tip, but features some nice enamel.

It's very difficult to ID teeth from the Jurassic of Niger as there's only a small amount of published material to compare against.  This tooth likely comes from the Megalosaurid Afrovanator abakensis, but it could also belong to a Ceratosaurid.

Comes labelled and stored in an acrylic case with padding. 

Tooth measurements are as follows:

Crown Base Ratio: 0.5

Crown Height Ratio: 1.65

Mesial Serration Count (per 5mm): N/A

Distal Serration Count (per 5mm): 14

The mesial carina extends roughly 1/2 way down the crown.  This short mesial carina is usually a good indication that the tooth belongs to a megalosaurid, but Ceratosaurid teeth from this locality seem to share this characteristic too.

Condition: Good

Size: 1.31 inch

Age: 167 Million Years

Locality: Agadez, Niger (Tiouraren Formation)