Scapanorhynchus ("Spade Snout") is an extinct genus of shark from the Cretaceous era. Their extreme similarities to the living goblin shark, Mitsukurina owstoni, lead some experts to consider reclassifying it as Scapanorhynchus owstoni. However, most shark specialists regard the goblin shark to be distinct enough from its prehistoric relatives to merit placement in its own genus.
Scapanorhynchus had an elongated, albeit, flattened snout, and sharp awl-shaped teeth, ideal for seizing fish, or tearing chunks of flesh from its prey.
Species include Scapanorhynchus texanus.
References[]
- Case, G and Schwimmer, D., 1998. Late Cretaceous fish from the Blufftown Formation (Campanian) in Western Georgia. Journal of Paleontology., 62(2). pp 290-301.
- Kent, B., 1994. Fossil Sharks of the Chesapeake Region. Egan Rees & Boyer, Maryland. 146 pp