Ancient Sturgeon Fossil Unearthed in Morocco: First Discovery in Africa

This fossil was discovered at a paleontological excavation site located between Khouribga and Oued Zem. "I noticed the fossil during a visit to a well-known Moroccan fossil site during a field trip in November 2022," Professor Martill told the journal Cretaceous Research, stressing that this specimen is the first of its kind to be discovered on the African continent. According to the paleontologist, this discovery indicates that this species, previously limited to the cold waters of the northern hemisphere of the globe, was indeed present in northern Africa at one time.

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"We thought this sturgeon species only lived in the northern parts of America, Europe, the Asian parts of Russia and China, but we never would have thought to find them in Africa, India, Australia or even South America. These were grouped in what was known as Gondwana, a supercontinent that existed 336 million years ago and dissolved 150 million years ago," the specialist explained.

Sturgeons are often considered living fossils, as their ancestors date back to the time when dinosaurs lived, more than 200 million years ago. "They can measure up to 7 m long and weigh 1.5 tons, although such sizes are extremely rare today," it is specified.