Megasqualus orpiensis
Megasqualus orpiensis
View age-specific evidence and explanation
| Age | Recorded Occurrences | Localities | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanetian | 1 | 1 | Not yet established |
These counts describe published LBPS Occurrence records with directly assigned, unambiguous geological-unit mappings—not specimen abundance. Records at restricted Localities and ambiguous or unsupported ages are excluded. Species-level age labels are not used as proof of an age-specific Occurrence.
Specimen-based rarity requires comparable, correctly identified physical fossils, geological provenance and publication permissions. It does not estimate your chance of finding a fossil or collecting access.
Quick Identification
Look for: a robust low dogfish tooth with a strongly inclined crown, a very broad apron and a flat subquadrangular root; fine crown serrations and numerous root foramina are useful when preserved.
Summary
Megasqualus orpiensis was an extinct squalid dogfish shark formerly placed in Squalus. Its teeth retain the low, strongly inclined cutting form typical of squalids but are more robust and have distinctive root and crown details.
The dentition indicates a slicing predator of small to medium marine prey. The species is diagnosed from dental morphology, and well-preserved crown edges and root architecture are important because abrasion can remove several of its distinguishing characters.
Diagnostic Features
- The crown is low and strongly inclined in typical squalid fashion.
- Anterior and posterior crown cutting edges carry weak serration when well preserved.
- The labial apron is unusually broad.
- The root is regular and subquadrangular with a comparatively flat base.
- A broad infundibulum and numerous lateral root foramina distinguish the tooth from typical Squalus.
Fossil Details
Similar Species
Recorded Fossil Sites
Beltinge Fish Bed
Synonyms & Previous Names
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