لوحة من أسنان أسماك القرش «أوتودوس» المتحجرة، وزنها 1 597 غرامًا

Rarity and Value
Otodus obliquus is one of the earliest giant mackerel sharks known from the Paleogene oceans and represents an important evolutionary ancestor of later apex predators such as Otodus megalodon. This fossil plate preserves multiple well-developed teeth embedded within a natural marine limestone matrix, reflecting the formidable dentition that characterized these ancient sharks during the Eocene Epoch approximately 54 million years ago. The broad triangular crowns, smooth cutting edges, and robust roots visible in the specimen demonstrate the transitional morphology of early lamniform sharks that dominated marine food chains following the extinction of the dinosaurs. Fossil teeth of Otodus obliquus are highly valued within paleontological collections due to their scientific importance in tracing shark evolution and documenting the emergence of giant pelagic predators within early Cenozoic marine ecosystems. Well-preserved teeth with intact roots and enamel remain particularly desirable because many specimens recovered during phosphate extraction are fragmented or heavily eroded.

Discovery
These Otodus obliquus teeth originate from the famous phosphate deposits of the Oulad Abdoun Basin near Khouribga, Morocco, one of the world’s most significant marine fossil localities. During the Eocene, this region formed part of a warm shallow sea inhabited by diverse sharks, rays, marine reptiles, and fish species. Otodus functioned as a powerful open-water predator equipped with large grasping teeth adapted for capturing sizeable prey within ancient marine environments. The preserved teeth provide important evidence of early lamniform shark diversification shortly after the end-Cretaceous extinction event. Fossils from the Oulad Abdoun Basin are recovered during phosphate mining operations that expose ancient marine sediments rich in vertebrate remains. The biological structures visible within these teeth, including the dense roots, enamel crowns, and feeding morphology, contribute significantly to scientific understanding of prehistoric shark ecology and evolutionary relationships among large predatory sharks.

Preservation
This fossil plate preserves multiple authentic Otodus obliquus teeth stabilized within a marine limestone matrix, allowing exceptional visibility of their anatomical characteristics and original biological morphology. The glossy enamel surfaces, sharply preserved crowns, and broad bifurcated roots demonstrate remarkable fossilization quality and mineral stabilization across millions of years. Variations in coloration—from warm amber-brown enamel to pale mineralized root structures—reflect natural diagenetic processes occurring during burial within marine sediment. The composite arrangement highlights the diversity of tooth orientation and root structure typical of large predatory lamniform sharks. The surrounding limestone matrix preserves the ancient marine context in which these teeth were originally deposited, creating a scientifically important representation of Eocene ocean biodiversity and the anatomy of one of the earliest giant mackerel sharks.