Description
Add an extraordinary and rare vertebrate fossil to your collection with this genuine Orthacanthus shark spine fossil, recovered from the Flamingo Beds of the Permian period, located in King, New Mexico, USA. This specimen represents a remnant of a prehistoric freshwater shark, a relic of an ancient world that existed over 250 million years ago.
Fossil Type: Vertebrate (Shark Spine)
Genus: Orthacanthus
Geological Period: Permian (~299 to 252 million years ago)
Formation: Flamingo Beds
Location: King, New Mexico, United States
Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (Refer to the photo for full sizing)
Specimen: The photo shows the exact specimen you will receive
Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity
Geological and Paleontological Information
Orthacanthus was a genus of extinct freshwater xenacanthid sharks, characterized by elongated, eel-like bodies and long dorsal fin spines. These predators roamed the swampy, riverine environments of the Permian period, especially in what is now North America and Europe. The Flamingo Beds of New Mexico are known for yielding well-preserved Permian vertebrate fossils from a freshwater depositional environment.
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish)
- Order: Xenacanthiformes
- Family: Xenacanthidae
- Genus: Orthacanthus
- Geological Stage: Likely within the Guadalupian Series of the Middle Permian, though detailed layer data may vary locally
- Depositional Environment: Freshwater lacustrine and fluvial environment; low-energy conditions with fine-grained sediment ideal for vertebrate preservation
- Morphological Features: Long, conical dorsal spine with grooved texture and basal attachment surface; defensive in function and a key diagnostic feature of xenacanth sharks
- Notable: Orthacanthus fossils are rare and highly sought after, especially outside of teeth. Spine specimens such as this one offer a unique look into shark anatomy and Permian predator-prey dynamics
- Biozone: May be associated with regional vertebrate biozones of the early Guadalupian, though specific correlation requires exact stratigraphic positioning
- Identifier: Orthacanthus was first described by J.G. Agassiz in the 19th century; it remains one of the most iconic representatives of Paleozoic freshwater sharks
Why This Fossil Is Special
Unlike more commonly encountered fossil shark teeth, this dorsal spine fossil from Orthacanthus is much rarer and represents a defensive anatomical feature. Its well-preserved form and provenance from the Flamingo Beds make it a scientifically significant and visually captivating addition to any fossil collection.
Why Buy From Us?
- 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Exact specimen shown in photo is what you will receive
- Ethically sourced from scientifically significant fossil localities
- Suitable for collectors, educators, and vertebrate paleontology enthusiasts
Secure a rare and striking fossil from Earth’s ancient rivers with this Orthacanthus shark spine fossil from the Permian Flamingo Beds of New Mexico—a captivating relic from over 250 million years ago.
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