Megasqualus orpiensis

Megasqualus orpiensis

(Winkler, 1874)

Common name Dogfish shark
Fossil group Sharks & Rays
Order Squaliformes
Family Squalidae
Genus Megasqualus
Taxonomic status Accepted
Geological age Thanetian

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.

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.

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

Typical size
Teeth are robust and commonly centimetre-scale, generally larger than those of Squalus minor.
Fossil material
Tooth
Preservation
Fine serration and root foramina are easily obscured by abrasion or adhering matrix. Heavily worn teeth can resemble large Squalus and should be treated cautiously.

Similar Species

Recorded Fossil Sites

Synonyms & Previous Names

Squalus orpiensis

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
22 August 2026 Reviewed by Sam Harris