Elasmobranchii indet.

Elasmobranchii indet.

Higher-taxon identificationIdentified to: Class
Common name Indeterminate Shark or Ray
Fossil group Sharks & Rays

Summary

This record is used for shark or ray remains that can be recognised as elasmobranch material but cannot be assigned confidently to a more precise group. Isolated teeth, vertebral centra and dermal denticles may all remain at this level when the features needed for a family, genus or species identification are absent or damaged.

Quick Identification

Look for: a tooth with a distinct crown and root, a flattened crushing tooth, a small tooth-like dermal denticle, or a circular calcified vertebral centrum. Use this record when the specimen is clearly shark or ray material but lacks reliable features for a narrower identification.

Identification Features

  • Teeth usually show a distinct crown and root, with the root commonly more porous than the crown.
  • Tooth crowns may be pointed, blade-like or flattened for crushing, depending on the part of the dentition and group.
  • Vertebral centra are commonly circular to oval and may show concentric or radiating calcified structure.
  • Dermal denticles are small tooth-like elements with a crown mounted on a basal plate.
  • Calcified cartilaginous elements differ from ordinary bone and may show laminated or radiating mineralisation rather than typical cancellous bone.

Recorded Fossil Sites

Wrabness Member

Harwich Formation
Confirmed
Harwich
Last Reviewed
18 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris