Description
A superb specimen of the extinct Striatolamna macrota, a fossil shark tooth originating from the Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J) of the Paleocene epoch, found at Reculver, near Herne Bay, Kent, UK. This tooth is an authentic and well-preserved relic of an ancient shark species that once swam the early Paleocene seas of post-dinosaur Britain.
Specimen Overview:
- Species: Striatolamna macrota
- Fossil Type: Shark Tooth
- Geological Age: Paleocene (~66–56 million years ago)
- Stratigraphy: Woolwich Formation – Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J)
- Location: Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, United Kingdom
- Size Reference: Scale rule or cube = 1cm – please see photo
- Authenticity: Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Image Note: The photo shows the exact specimen you will receive
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)
- Order: Lamniformes
- Family: Odontaspididae (Sand Sharks)
- Genus: Striatolamna
- Species: Striatolamna macrota
- Formally Described by: Agassiz, 1843
Geological & Depositional Information:
The Woolwich Bottom Bed, part of the Lambeth Group, is a Paleocene-aged marine layer deposited during the early Cenozoic following the K–Pg extinction event. The sediment represents a shallow marine to marginal marine depositional environment, reflecting an estuarine or deltaic system rich in marine life.
Fossils from this unit, especially shark teeth, offer insights into the recovery of marine ecosystems after the mass extinction that ended the age of the dinosaurs. The Reculver area in Kent is known for preserving some of the best examples of Paleocene marine vertebrate fossils in the UK.
Morphological Features & Notable Traits:
- Teeth of Striatolamna macrota typically have a broad triangular central cusp with smooth, non-serrated cutting edges
- Often display well-defined lingual root grooves
- Can include lateral cusplets depending on the position in the jaw
- Adapted for seizing small prey such as fish and squid
- These teeth are highly sought after by both amateur and academic collectors due to their size and preservation
Why This Fossil is Special:
- Authentic and rare British fossil of a Paleocene sand shark
- Sourced from a historically significant and fossil-rich locality
- Excellent preservation of enamel and root structure
- Scientifically documented species with evolutionary significance
- An excellent piece for display, education, or scientific reference
- Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Photo shows the actual fossil – no substitutes
Summary:
- Striatolamna macrota fossil shark tooth
- Paleocene Epoch, ~60 million years old
- Found in Reculver, Herne Bay, Kent, UK
- Woolwich Formation – Woolwich Bottom Bed (Unit J)
- High-quality, scientifically-identified shark tooth
- Scale shown = 1cm per square/cube
- Certificate of Authenticity included
- Ideal for fossil collectors, educators, or museum-quality collections
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