This week I thought I’d give you another object that I had to identify from a mixed box of specimens:
Any idea what this skull might have belonged to?
You can put your questions, comments and suggestions below and I’ll do my best to respond. Good luck!
Zygoma 
Hmm. The teeth led me straight to M..C, but it’s a large one if it it is…
Not M.c but a close relative – good spot!
Ah. I’ve just seen the ..B. I wouldn’t fancy one of those loose in a boat!
wow! that’s a though one I think. Is it a reptile skull, looking at the teeth? But it is rather large. I found a similar skull but only the jaws looks similar. that was a lizard that looked like a snake.
I think reptiley too.
Not a reptile!
o, cool. the cranial part didn’t fit, but it doesn’t look mammal either.
I can’t help feeling that the identification lies with those distinctive bottom teeth.
I believe this animal lives in the sea,is long bodied, and is kind of named after a weapon.
Could be – but there are several critters that would fit!
Order: Sounds like a Carribean island (not Caiman); Family: common name is a fresh-water fish (spikey); Genus: no idea.
Good cryptic suggestions!
From the other clues I guess this one’s in the bag?
Is it an M… B…? Or are you just piking fun at us?
I thought you’d recognise this one, given the distribution 😉
Change the B to a C?
Ignore that last one- posted without reading.
M.C.s Australian relative? It’s great to be back on line. We moved house and its taken two months to get a phone line connected.
Good call and good to have you back!
Just like to say I have no idea what this is and all the clues sre far too cryptic this week.
The long tapered shape and teeth made me think that it has a long narrow body similar to a caiman. The “not a reptile” had me stumped. I figured it out when the long body stuck its head out of a burrow and tried to bit me while I was snorkeling. It was almost electrifying, but not quite.
Wow! I got this one without looking at the comments! I first thought lizard, or fish. Ruled out lizard quickly, then ID’d this handily based on what I know from local relatives here in the Eastern Pacific. Very cool specimen. I always do better with skulls. Thanks!