Scapula

[BeachComber7]

Found this on the beach and tried to ID it. It's a scapula but it does not match the common dolphin or pelican. It's close to a penguin but there are no penguins on the east coast shores of Florida! It's white and brittle, almost 8 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide at it's widest part. Note nosy puppy in photo, she's anxious to check out the bone!

 

[hamiddetecting]

Of the big fish

 

[Fenway]

Interesting. Maybe its from a manatee. Check out the manatee skeleton pic I found.

 

[BeachComber7]

Fen you might be right. I forgot about the manatee. I kept thinking some kind of bird and the top of it is patterned
like a turtle so i was looking every where!

 

[GatorBoy]

No question it is a section of sea turtle shell. Judging by the size probably loggerhead

 

[BeachComber7]

If its part of the shell, why does it have that piece that sticks out, like it should be attached to something that moves-a fin or wing, arm?

 

[GatorBoy]

Please try to take my word a little when I say I'm sure about something. The shell is held to the spine like a ribcage

 

[BeachComber7]

Wow what a great photo! I can see now how my piece works, this is great! Thank you!

 

[GatorBoy]

Ha ha... no prob

 

[Fenway]

I think Gator is right. If you look at the pic I included the scapula on the manatee has a ridge towards the insertion of the humerus. Your bone - no ridge. I stand corrected! Nice job Gator!

 

[detectahead]

This is another great example of how information is learned thru this forum! Well done Gator!

 

[GatorBoy]

I got lucky... ha ha. Gotta love T-Net

 

[BeachComber7]

what is that?

 

[GatorBoy]

Sea turtle skull