3.9 cm Scapanorhynchus texanus - Shark tooth

3.9 cm Scapanorhynchus texanus - Shark tooth

The 3.9 cm tooth of Scapanorhynchus texanus is in excellent condition and has dark blue enamel and a reddish-brown root. One of the two characteristic small lateral serrations is still intact. Scapanorhynchus texanus is an extinct shark species from the Late Cretaceous period that belongs to the Mitsukurinidae family and is closely related to today's goblin shark. The deep-sea lifestyle of Scapanorhynchus texanus had a significant influence on its behavior. Due to the low-light environment, the species developed a long, flattened snout extension equipped with numerous sensory organs. These enabled it to perceive electric fields—an important ability for tracking prey in complete darkness. The species probably reached lengths of up to three meters.