لوحة من أسنان أسماك القرش «أوتودوس» المتحجرة، وزنها 1 578 غرامًا

Rarity and Value
This composite fossil plate preserves multiple authentic teeth of Otodus obliquus, an extinct giant mackerel shark that dominated the ancient Eocene seas approximately 54 million years ago. The specimen displays several sharply preserved triangular teeth embedded within a natural marine limestone matrix, highlighting the powerful dentition characteristic of one of the earliest giant lamniform sharks. Otodus belonged to the same evolutionary lineage as modern Great White sharks and the later Megalodon, representing an important stage in the development of apex marine predators following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The elongated crowns, robust roots, and smooth cutting edges visible in the teeth demonstrate adaptations for capturing large prey within prehistoric marine ecosystems. Fossil teeth of Otodus obliquus are highly valued by paleontologists and collectors because they provide critical biological evidence of early shark evolution, feeding specialization, and the emergence of giant predatory sharks during the Paleogene period.

Discovery
These fossil teeth originate from the renowned phosphate deposits of the Oulad Abdoun Basin near Khouribga, Morocco, one of the world’s richest marine fossil localities. During the Eocene Epoch, this region formed part of a shallow tropical sea inhabited by diverse sharks, rays, fish, and marine reptiles. Otodus obliquus occupied the role of a dominant pelagic predator equipped with large grasping teeth capable of seizing powerful prey within open marine environments. Fossils recovered from these phosphate beds preserve important information regarding marine biodiversity and shark diversification shortly after the end-Cretaceous extinction event. Although Otodus teeth are regularly discovered during phosphate mining operations, large and well-preserved specimens remain difficult to recover intact because mining equipment frequently damages fragile fossils during extraction. The biological structures visible within these teeth—including the broad roots, symmetrical enamel crowns, and feeding morphology—offer valuable insight into the anatomy and ecology of ancient lamniform sharks.

Preservation
This fossil plate preserves several authentic Otodus obliquus teeth carefully stabilized within a natural limestone matrix, allowing exceptional visibility of their anatomical characteristics and original biological form. The warm amber-brown enamel coloration contrasts against the pale sedimentary matrix, emphasizing the sharp triangular crowns and mineralized root structures preserved through fossilization. Fine enamel surfaces and intact root formations demonstrate remarkable long-term stabilization of the teeth within marine sediment over millions of years. Although arranged as a composite display, each tooth retains authentic fossil morphology and preserves important biological detail associated with predatory shark dentition. The surrounding marine limestone matrix further reflects the shallow oceanic environment in which these ancient sharks once lived, creating a scientifically significant representation of Eocene marine predator evolution.