RARE Fossil Coprolite – Centrospina heterodontus (Bull Shark) – Turonian, Cretaceous – Glynde, UK – Certified Authentic Specimen

Description

RARE Fossil Coprolite of Centrospina heterodontus (Bull Shark)

Turonian Stage, Upper Cretaceous – Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom

This is a highly uncommon and scientifically important fossil coprolite attributed to the extinct bull shark species Centrospina heterodontus, from the Turonian stage of the Upper Cretaceous, discovered at Glynde, East Sussex, UK. It represents fossilised excrement – a trace fossil that provides crucial insights into the diet and digestive biology of prehistoric sharks.

Geological & Scientific Context:

• Fossil Type: Coprolite (fossilised faeces)
• Attribution: Centrospina heterodontus (extinct bull shark)
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Turonian (~93.9–89.8 million years ago)
• Provenance: Glynde, East Sussex, UK
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine chalk and marl deposits that once covered southern England during high sea levels of the mid-Cretaceous. These waters were teeming with fish, ammonites, marine reptiles, and sharks.

Taxonomic Classification of Shark Source:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous fishes)
• Order: Lamniformes
• Family: Odontaspididae
• Genus: Centrospina
• Species: Centrospina heterodontus

Morphology & Features of Coprolite:

• Coprolites from lamniform sharks such as Centrospina are typically cylindrical to spiral in form and may show internal mineralisation.
• This particular specimen exhibits surface texturing consistent with carnivorous diets, possibly including fish, smaller sharks, or squid-like cephalopods.
• Its preservation in fine-grained marine sediments has allowed delicate anatomical and surface details to be retained.

Notable Significance:

Coprolites attributed to identifiable marine predators like Centrospina heterodontus are highly sought after due to their rarity and paleoecological value. They provide direct evidence of prehistoric food webs and predator-prey relationships in the mid-Cretaceous marine ecosystem.

Specimen Details:

• Scale Cube: 1cm (refer to photo for full sizing)
• Condition: Naturally preserved, professionally cleaned, and stabilised
• Authenticity: This is a 100% genuine specimen, guaranteed and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Photography: The images show the actual fossil you will receive
• Provenance: From our securely documented UK fossil collection

Summary:

This is a scientifically important and visually intriguing fossil coprolite from Centrospina heterodontus, an extinct bull shark of the Cretaceous seas. Recovered from Glynde in East Sussex, it offers a rare opportunity to own a trace fossil directly linked to one of Earth’s ancient marine predators. A perfect specimen for fossil collectors, educational institutions, or shark and Cretaceous-themed collections.