Striatolamia striata Shark Tooth Fossil – Thanetian Palaeocene – Woolwich Bottom Bed – Reculver Kent UK

Description

Striatolamia striata Shark Tooth Fossil – Palaeocene (Thanetian Stage) – Unit J, Woolwich Bottom Bed – Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, England

This listing features a genuine Striatolamia striata shark tooth fossil, an extinct species of sand tiger shark from the Palaeocene Epoch. This tooth was recovered from the Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J) near Reculver, a well-known fossil locality on the north Kent coast. The deposit is part of the post-Cretaceous Thanetian stage, offering a glimpse into marine life just a few million years after the mass extinction event that wiped out the non-avian dinosaurs.

Fossil Type: Shark Tooth

Species: Striatolamia striata

Order: Lamniformes

Family: Odontaspididae (sand tiger sharks)

Class: Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes)

Geological Stage: Palaeocene – Thanetian (~58–56 million years ago)

Formation: Woolwich Formation – Woolwich Bottom Bed, Unit J

Location: Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, England, UK

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine nearshore shelf, with fine-grained sands and silts typical of warm subtropical waters

Biozone/Zone: No formal ammonite or nannofossil zonation specific to this unit; Thanetian chronostratigraphy applies

Morphology Features: Teeth of Striatolamia striata are identifiable by their long, slender central cusp with fine vertical striations (hence the name “striata”) and small lateral cusplets at the base. The enamel is smooth and glossy, while the root is robust and often symmetrical. These features reflect their adaptation for seizing and holding slippery prey like fish or squid.

Geological Context: The Woolwich Bottom Bed at Reculver forms part of the Palaeogene succession in southeast England and is renowned for its diverse marine vertebrate fauna, including sharks, rays, and early bony fishes. These sediments represent a dynamic post-extinction marine ecosystem, providing critical data for palaeontological and evolutionary research.

Condition: Excellent detail as shown in photos. Complete or near-complete tooth with visible striations and root structure. Please see image for full sizing – Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. This is the exact specimen you will receive.

Important Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

A striking and scientifically important fossil shark tooth from the Palaeocene seas of Britain—ideal for collectors, educators, or anyone fascinated by ancient marine predators.