Theropod Tooth - Megalosaurid/Ceratosaur (Niger) #18

Description

A rare Jurassic theropod tooth from the Tiouraren Formation (Niger).  This tooth is 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: 2.31

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

Distal Serration Count (per 5mm): 12

The mesial carina extends roughly 2/3 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: 1.47 inch

Age: 167 Million Years

Locality: Agadez, Niger (Tiouraren Formation)