Description
Genuine Odontaspis Shark Tooth Fossil from the Ouled Abdoun Basin of Morocco
This genuine Odontaspis sp. shark tooth fossil is an exceptional marine vertebrate specimen originating from the famous Ouled Abdoun Basin near Khouribga, Morocco. Dating to the Eocene Epoch, this fossil preserves the tooth of an ancient sand tiger shark that inhabited the warm prehistoric seas covering North Africa approximately 56 to 34 million years ago.
The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive. Carefully selected for its preservation, natural enamel detail and display quality, this authentic shark tooth provides a direct connection to the ancient marine ecosystems of the Eocene seas.
This fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming the specimen is 100% genuine.
Full sizing please see photo.
About Odontaspis Sharks
Odontaspis is a genus of sand tiger shark belonging to the order Lamniformes and family Odontaspididae. Modern relatives of these sharks still inhabit oceans today, demonstrating the long evolutionary success of this highly effective predatory group.
Odontaspis sharks possessed elongated narrow teeth perfectly adapted for grasping slippery prey such as fish and squid. Their teeth are characterised by a tall central cusp often accompanied by smaller lateral cusplets near the base of the crown. This distinctive morphology makes Odontaspis teeth highly recognisable among fossil shark collectors.
Unlike heavily serrated shark teeth designed for cutting flesh, Odontaspis teeth evolved primarily for seizing and holding prey securely. Their streamlined tooth structure reflects a fast-moving predatory lifestyle within open marine environments.
This specimen preserves the classic morphology associated with Odontaspis, including the elongated central cusp, natural enamel texture and preserved root structure characteristic of Eocene sand tiger sharks.
Ouled Abdoun Basin and Eocene Marine Deposits
The Ouled Abdoun Basin of Morocco is one of the world’s most important fossil-producing phosphate basins and is internationally renowned for its exceptionally preserved marine vertebrate fossils. These sedimentary deposits formed within warm shallow seas during the Late Cretaceous through Eocene periods.
The marine environments of the Eocene supported an extraordinary diversity of life including sharks, rays, marine reptiles, bony fish and numerous invertebrates. Phosphate-rich sediments accumulating on the seabed created ideal conditions for preserving vertebrate remains such as teeth and bones.
Khouribga is particularly famous among fossil collectors for producing abundant and beautifully preserved shark teeth. Fossils from this region are highly sought after due to their preservation quality, scientific importance and strong aesthetic appeal.
The fossil-bearing phosphate layers of the Ouled Abdoun Basin provide valuable insight into marine ecosystems that flourished during the early age of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Natural Fossil Preservation
This fossil retains authentic natural preservation and has not been artificially replicated or reconstructed. The visible enamel texture, root structure and mineralisation developed naturally over millions of years during fossilisation within marine phosphate sediments.
The specimen displays genuine anatomical detail associated with fossil shark teeth, including natural colour variation and preserved feeding structures. Variations in surface texture and colour are entirely natural and reflect the chemical conditions present during fossilisation.
Shark teeth fossilise exceptionally well due to their highly mineralised composition, making them among the most durable and collectable vertebrate fossils.
Scientific and Collectable Importance
Fossil shark teeth are important tools for understanding the evolution, diversity and ecology of prehistoric marine predators. Odontaspis teeth provide evidence of the persistence and adaptation of sand tiger sharks across millions of years of evolutionary history.
The Eocene marine fossils of Morocco are globally recognised among collectors and palaeontologists due to their abundance and exceptional preservation. Odontaspis specimens are especially popular because of their elegant tooth shape and direct connection to ancient predatory sharks.
This fossil is ideal for collectors of shark teeth, Moroccan fossils, Eocene fossils, marine vertebrates, fossil fish and authentic prehistoric natural history specimens.
Certificate of Authenticity
Included with the fossil is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming that the specimen is genuine. The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, allowing collectors and buyers to purchase with complete confidence.
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