Rare Acrodus nobilis Shark Tooth Fossil Jurassic Lyme Regis Dorset UK Lower Lias Genuine Hybodont Shark Fossil Jurassic Coast Black Ven

Description

Rare Acrodus nobilis Shark Tooth Fossil – Lower Lias, Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis

Offered here is a rare fossil shark tooth of Acrodus nobilis, discovered at Black Ven near Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, along the internationally famous Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. This genuine specimen originates from the Lower Lias deposits of the Early Jurassic, dating to approximately 201–190 million years ago.

This fossil shark tooth represents an authentic piece of Early Jurassic marine life from one of the most historically important fossil sites in the world. The specimen has been carefully selected for quality and display, and the listing photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive.

The fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine fossil specimen.

Full sizing and scale can be seen in the listing photographs.

Acrodus nobilis – A Hybodont Shark of the Jurassic Seas

The species Acrodus nobilis belongs to the extinct group of sharks known as hybodonts, within the family Hybodontidae and the order Hybodontiformes. These sharks were widespread throughout the Triassic and Jurassic periods, thriving in both marine and coastal environments.

Hybodont sharks differed from many modern sharks in both body form and tooth structure. Acrodus species were particularly adapted to feeding on hard-shelled prey, making them specialised predators within Jurassic marine ecosystems.

The teeth of Acrodus nobilis are distinctive and easily recognisable due to several key features:

• A broad flattened crown designed for crushing

• A prominent central cusp often flanked by smaller lateral cusps

• Strong ridges across the enamel surface

• Thick root structure supporting powerful bite forces

This tooth morphology allowed Acrodus to feed effectively on durophagous prey, including bivalves, crustaceans, ammonites, and other shelled marine organisms.

Rather than slicing flesh like many modern sharks, Acrodus specialised in crushing and grinding hard shells, an adaptation that helped it occupy a unique ecological niche in Jurassic seas.

Lower Lias Geological Formation

The fossil originates from the Lower Lias Group, one of the most important fossil-bearing rock sequences in Europe. These sediments were deposited during the Early Jurassic Period, specifically the Hettangian to Sinemurian stages, roughly 201–190 million years ago.

During this time, southern Britain was covered by a warm shallow epicontinental sea connected to the Tethys Ocean. Fine marine sediments settled on the sea floor, forming the mudstones and marls that now make up the cliffs around Lyme Regis.

The Lower Lias deposits are particularly rich in fossils and contain a diverse array of marine life including:

• Marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs

• Numerous ammonite species used for stratigraphic dating

• Belemnites and crustaceans

• Bivalves and gastropods

• Sharks and bony fish

These rocks are also subdivided into well-defined ammonite biozones, allowing precise dating of fossil material within the Early Jurassic timeline.

Black Ven – One of Britain’s Most Famous Fossil Sites

This specimen comes from Black Ven, a large landslip complex located just east of Lyme Regis. The cliffs here expose extensive sections of the Lower Lias, making them among the most productive fossil sites in the United Kingdom.

The Lyme Regis region played a crucial role in the early development of palaeontology. Fossil discoveries made here during the early 19th century helped transform scientific understanding of prehistoric life.

Many famous fossils were discovered by pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning, whose work contributed significantly to the study of Jurassic marine reptiles and fossil organisms.

Today, natural coastal erosion and landslips continue to reveal new fossils from the Lower Jurassic sediments, making Black Ven a highly significant locality for collectors and researchers alike.

Fossilisation and Preservation

Shark teeth fossilise readily because they are composed primarily of highly mineralised enamel and dentine, which are more resistant to decay than bone. Throughout a shark’s life, teeth were continually replaced and shed, meaning large numbers accumulated on the sea floor.

Over millions of years, these teeth became buried in marine sediments where mineralisation preserved them as fossils. Many Lower Lias shark teeth retain their distinct enamel texture and morphological features, allowing accurate identification.

Teeth such as this specimen provide important evidence for understanding the diversity of Jurassic shark species and their ecological roles within ancient marine ecosystems.

Authenticity and Collector Information

• Genuine fossil specimen – not a cast or replica

• Species: Acrodus nobilis

• Family: Hybodontidae

• Order: Hybodontiformes

• Geological Formation: Lower Lias Group

• Age: Early Jurassic (Hettangian–Sinemurian), approximately 201–190 million years old

• Locality: Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom

• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card

• The exact specimen shown in the photographs is the fossil you will receive

This rare Acrodus nobilis shark tooth from the legendary Jurassic Coast represents an outstanding addition to any Jurassic fossil collection, fossil shark display, or natural history cabinet, offering a genuine piece of Early Jurassic marine history from one of the world’s most famous fossil localities.