297 gr Plate of Fossilised Otodus Shark’s Tooth

Rarity and Value
This fossil plate preserves a single authentic tooth of Otodus obliquus, an extinct giant mackerel shark that inhabited the warm Eocene seas approximately 54 million years ago. Despite its modest size, the specimen displays the characteristic morphology that defines early lamniform apex predators, including a sharply tapered crown, smooth cutting edges, and a broad bifurcated root adapted for powerful feeding mechanics. Otodus obliquus represents one of the earliest giant predatory sharks within the evolutionary lineage that later produced Otodus megalodon and modern Great White sharks. Fossil teeth of this species are highly valued because they document the diversification of large marine predators during the Paleogene period following the extinction of the dinosaurs. Teeth preserving both crown and root structures in stable condition are especially important for paleontological study, as they provide direct biological evidence of feeding adaptations, tooth replacement systems, and the anatomical evolution of early mackerel sharks.

Discovery
This specimen originates from the phosphate deposits of the Oulad Abdoun Basin near Khouribga, Morocco, one of the richest marine fossil regions in the world. During the Eocene Epoch, this area formed part of a shallow tropical sea inhabited by sharks, rays, bony fish, and marine reptiles. Otodus obliquus occupied the role of a dominant pelagic predator within these ancient ecosystems, using its strong grasping teeth to capture large marine prey. Fossils from the Moroccan phosphate beds are exposed during mining operations that reveal sedimentary layers densely packed with marine vertebrate remains. The preserved tooth reflects the biological characteristics of primitive lamniform sharks, including durable enamel construction and root architecture designed to withstand powerful feeding stress. Such fossils provide valuable insight into marine predator evolution during a critical stage in the recovery and diversification of ocean ecosystems after the end-Cretaceous extinction event.

Preservation
This fossilized Otodus obliquus tooth is preserved within a natural marine limestone matrix that stabilizes the specimen while maintaining visibility of its original anatomical structure. The crown retains its elongated triangular form and smooth enamel surface, while the mineralized root preserves the distinctive bifurcated morphology characteristic of ancient mackerel sharks. Variations in coloration—from warm amber-brown enamel to lighter mineralized root material—reflect natural fossilization and mineral replacement processes occurring during long-term burial within marine sediment. The surrounding limestone matrix further preserves the environmental context of the fossil, linking the specimen directly to the ancient seabed in which it was deposited millions of years ago. The overall preservation quality allows detailed observation of the tooth’s biological morphology and contributes to scientific understanding of early giant shark anatomy and evolutionary development.