Vertebrates
Browse our Q&A about birds, eggs, nests, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Central Coast and Channel Islands.
Main
- Anthropology
- Rocks & Fossils
- Invertebrates
- Vertebrates
- Botany
- Astronomy
- Fungi
- General
- Recently Asked
Can you identify this?
I found what I believe to be a vertebrae on the beach after a storm, and I'm curious which type of creature it may belong to. It is 1-1/4" long and 1" in diameter. A small hole runs through the center. It is slightly shiny and black on the inside areas. I included images and any ideas Would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Lori
Lori, Ocean City, NJ - November 9, 2025
Curator Response
Hi Lori,
That’s definitely the vertebra of a fish! If you want to know what kind of fish it came from, it would probably be best to reach out to someone who specializes in species off the East Coast, where you found this.
Stay curious,
Dibblee Curator of Earth Science Jonathan Hoffman, Ph.D.
