Description
This Hybodus Shark Fin Spine is a fine example of the Marine fossils found in Taouz Morocco.
This fossil is from an animal that was very successful during the end of the Late Cretaceous Period. These sharks were found in shallow seas around the world.
This Hybodus Shark Fin Spine is from a medium size marine animal about 2 meters, 6 feet 6 inches in length, But they were not a deep sea shark. They ranged in the shallow seas that once covered most of the area in Morocco and northern Africa.
For reasons not understood, the Hybodus became extinct near the end of the Cretaceous period. Because they were believed to be opportunistic predators they stayed close to shore where food would be abundant. Although only about 6 feet long, they had classic streamlined bodies complete with two dorsal fins that had large bony spines believed to be for protection from even larger predators. Because the Hybodus had two different types of teeth it is believed they fed on a wide range of food. The sharper teeth would have been used to captur slippery fish but the flatter teeth would help them crush shelled creatures.
The Shark Fin Spine was discovered in Northeast Africa, Taouz, Kem Kem beds in 2006. This fossil is estimated to be 80 to 100 million years old. This spine is as found with no restoration or repair.
This spine is 6 1/8 inches long and has great detail.
