Paleohypotodus rutoti Fossil Shark Tooth | Paleocene Woolwich Bottom Bed | Reculver Kent UK | Authentic Specimen

Description

An exceptionally well-preserved fossil shark tooth from the extinct species Paleohypotodus rutoti, recovered from the Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J) of the Paleocene epoch, located at Reculver, near Herne Bay, Kent, UK. This piece represents a remarkable glimpse into the marine ecosystems that followed the mass extinction event at the end of the Cretaceous.

Specimen Overview:

• Species: Paleohypotodus rutoti
• Fossil Type: Shark Tooth
• Geological Age: Paleocene (~66–56 million years ago)
• Formation / Unit: Woolwich Formation, Unit J – Woolwich Bottom Bed
• Location: Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, United Kingdom
• Scale Reference: 1cm rule squares/cube for size – see photos
• Authenticity: 100% genuine, with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Image Note: The photo shows the actual fossil you will receive

Scientific Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)
• Order: Lamniformes
• Family: Odontaspididae (Sand Shark family)
• Genus: Paleohypotodus
• Species: Paleohypotodus rutoti
• Described by: Leriche, 1905

Geological & Depositional Context:

This specimen originates from the Woolwich Formation, specifically the Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J). This stratum forms part of the Lambeth Group in southeast England and is renowned for yielding rare Paleocene vertebrate fossils, including sharks, rays, and other marine fauna.

The depositional environment represents a shallow marine to marginal marine coastal setting, where estuarine or lagoonal conditions prevailed. This transitional paleoenvironment provided ideal conditions for preservation of shark teeth and other marine fossils.

The Paleocene was a key recovery period following the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction. The presence of Paleohypotodus illustrates the diversification of early modern sharks in the aftermath of this event.

Morphology Features & Notable Traits:

• Teeth of Paleohypotodus rutoti are characteristically broad-based, with a triangular central cusp and well-developed lateral cusplets.
• The cutting edges are typically smooth and lack serrations, suggesting adaptation for grasping and swallowing prey rather than cutting.
• This specimen retains excellent enamel preservation and displays clear root morphology, ideal for collectors or reference in educational settings.

Why This Fossil is Special:

• Rare UK specimen from a less commonly collected Paleocene locality
• Represents an early lamniform shark species with evolutionary importance
• Comes from a well-documented stratigraphic unit (Woolwich Bottom Bed)
• Excellent detail and preservation
• Includes full scientific and provenance information
• Backed by a Certificate of Authenticity
• Actual piece pictured – no substitutes

Summary:

• Paleohypotodus rutoti fossil shark tooth
• Paleocene Epoch, ~60 million years old
• Found in Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, UK
• Woolwich Formation – Unit J Woolwich Bottom Bed
• Rare early Cenozoic shark from Britain
• Certificate of Authenticity included
• Scale: 1cm squares visible for full size reference
• Ideal for fossil collectors, educators, or scientific display