6" Fossil Shark (Asteracanthus) Dorsal Spine - Morocco

This is an 6.0" fossil, dorsal spine of a shark (Asteracanthus) from the Kem Kem Basin, Taouz, Morocco. This specimen shows lateral ridges and denticles along posterior edge. This fossil has two repaired cracks.

Hybodus was a small shark that grew up to 2 meters in length and was likely an opportunistic predator. It had a streamlined shape ideal for hunting down fast prey and two different types of teeth: sharp cutting teeth for catching prey and flatter grinding teeth for crushing. This combination may have been the key to Hybodus' success.

A paper on Hybodus spines can be found below.

Growth And Form of Finspines In Hybodont Sharks

A complete fossil of Hybodus from Germany showing placement of spine.  Image under GNU Free Documentation License
A complete fossil of Hybodus from Germany showing placement of spine. Image under GNU Free Documentation License
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Asteracanthus ornatissimus
LOCATION
Taouz, Kem Kem Basin, Morocco
FORMATION
Kem Kem Beds
SIZE
6.0"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#106579
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.