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Huge, 9.4" Fossil Shark (Asteracanthus) Dorsal Spine - Morocco
This is an 9.4" fossil, dorsal spine of a Cretaceous shark (Asteracanthus) from the Kem Kem Basin, Taouz, Morocco. This specimen shows lateral ridges and denticles along posterior edge. Spines of Asteracanthus are much rarer than the spines of Hybodus found in the same formation. This one is huge, and only has a single crack repair near the tip.
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 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
SPECIES
Asteracanthus ornatissimus
LOCATION
Taouz, Kem Kem Basin, Morocco
FORMATION
Kem Kem Beds
SIZE
9.4"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#145379
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