Enchodus Fossil Fish Tooth Late Cretaceous Morocco Genuine Khouribga Fossil Predator Tooth Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity COA

Description

Authentic Enchodus Fossil Fish Tooth

This listing offers a genuine Enchodus fossil fish tooth from the Late Cretaceous, collected in the world-famous phosphate deposits of Khouribga, Morocco. Known as the “saber-toothed herring,” Enchodus was a predatory fish with long, curved fangs used to seize prey in the warm Cretaceous seas. The photographs show the actual fossil tooth you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise size reference. Every specimen we provide is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context – Late Cretaceous Khouribga

The Khouribga phosphate basin of Morocco is one of the richest vertebrate fossil localities in the world. Deposited around 70–66 million years ago during the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous, these marine sediments preserve an incredible variety of sharks, rays, fish, marine reptiles, and invertebrates. The depositional environment represented a shallow, nutrient-rich sea where abundant life thrived. Phosphate-rich sediments provided ideal preservation conditions for hard parts such as teeth and bones, ensuring that delicate structures like Enchodus teeth survived in excellent condition.

Fossil Type – Enchodus, the “Saber-Toothed Herring”

The genus Enchodus belonged to the family Enchodontidae, within the order Aulopiformes. It was a mid-sized predatory fish ranging from 1–2 meters in length, notable for its long, fang-like teeth that gave rise to its nickname. These teeth were positioned at the front of the jaws and functioned like curved blades, ideal for catching smaller fish. Despite being unrelated to herrings, its common nickname reflects its streamlined, herring-like body shape and fast-swimming lifestyle. Fossils of Enchodus are found throughout Cretaceous marine strata in Europe, North America, and Africa, but Moroccan specimens are especially well-preserved and sought after.

Morphological Features of the Tooth

Enchodus teeth are easily recognisable due to their elongated, laterally compressed, and sharply pointed form. The enamel surface is smooth and often glossy, with a strong curve that gives the tooth a hook-like appearance. The base shows evidence of natural attachment to the jawbone, although most fossil finds consist of isolated teeth like this one. Their morphology indicates a specialised predatory adaptation, allowing Enchodus to grip slippery prey with efficiency.

Scientific and Collectible Value

Enchodus teeth are prized by collectors for their distinctive shape, fine preservation, and association with one of the most iconic predatory fish of the Cretaceous seas. They also hold scientific value, as they illustrate the evolutionary adaptations of marine predators in the final age of the dinosaurs. Fossils from Khouribga contribute significantly to our understanding of Late Cretaceous ecosystems, which included mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and a wide variety of sharks living alongside Enchodus. For educators and students, these teeth provide a direct and tangible connection to predator-prey dynamics in the ancient oceans.

Provenance and Guarantee

This fossil comes from Khouribga, Morocco, collected from the renowned phosphate beds that yield some of the most diverse and well-preserved Cretaceous marine fossils in the world. It was carefully chosen for quality and clarity of features. As with all of our fossils, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact specimen in the photographs is the one you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and provenance.

A Distinctive Predator’s Tooth from the Cretaceous Seas

This Enchodus fossil fish tooth from the Late Cretaceous of Khouribga, Morocco represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of marine predator history. With its elegant fang-like shape and well-documented provenance, it is both a scientific specimen and an attractive addition to any fossil collection.