Heterodontus lerichei

Heterodontus lerichei

Casier, 1943

Common name Bullhead shark
Fossil group Sharks & Rays
Order Heterodontiformes
Family Heterodontidae
Genus Heterodontus
Taxonomic status Accepted
Geological age Thanetian

Summary

Heterodontus lerichei was an extinct bullhead shark related to living horn sharks. Like other heterodontids it had a strongly differentiated dentition, with sharper anterior teeth and broader lateral teeth serving different feeding roles.

That dentition is consistent with a bottom-associated feeder taking small invertebrates and fishes.

Quick Identification

Look for: a small bullhead-shark tooth with a strong central cusp and smaller side cusplets in sharper positions, or a lower broader crushing form in lateral positions; preserve the complete basal crown and root before identifying to species.

Diagnostic Features

  • Anterior and anterolateral teeth carry a prominent central cusp.
  • One or more smaller lateral cusplets may flank the principal cusp in sharper tooth positions.
  • The crown base is broad and may show a distinct labial apron or basal swelling.
  • Lateral teeth become lower and broader as part of the strong heterodont dentition.
  • The root is low and robust, and its complete shape is important for species-level comparison.

Fossil Details

Typical size
Teeth are small and generally millimetre-scale, with strong variation between anterior and lateral positions.
Fossil material
Tooth
Preservation
Cusplets and crown ornament are easily lost and positional heterodonty is substantial. Worn isolated teeth should not be forced to species when tooth position cannot be assessed.

Similar Species

Recorded Fossil Sites

References

  • Dineley, D. & Metcalf, S. (1999). Fossil Fishes of Great Britain. Geological Conservation Review Series, 675 pp.. Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough View reference
  • Ward, D.J. (1978). The Lower London Tertiary (Palaeocene) succession of Herne Bay, Kent. Report of the Institute of Geological Sciences. Institute of Geological Sciences View reference
  • Ward, D.J. (1980). The distribution of sharks, rays and chimaeroids in the English Palaeogene. Tertiary Research, 3(1), 13–19 View reference
Last Reviewed
15 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris