Otodus shark tooth
Otodus obliquus • Body fossil (vertebrate, Elasmobranchii tooth)
Geological Period
Paleogene (Paleocene to Eocene epochs)
Estimated Age
50 to 60 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with hydroxyapatite replacement, resulting in a light tan or cream-colored coloration common in phosphate mine discoveries.
Condition Assessment
Good condition. The crown is mostly complete with visible fine tips on the cusplets, though the root shows significant erosion and mineralization typical of mass-quarried Moroccan specimens.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Otodontidae, Genus: Otodus
Morphological Description
Large, triangular central crown with smooth enameloid surface and sharp cutting edges. Distinctive lateral cusplets (small teeth-like points) are present on both sides of the base. The root is robust, V-shaped, and shows a thick, porous texture characteristic of early lamniform sharks.
Rock Matrix
The specimen is free of matrix, but residue in the root pores suggests an origin in phosphatic sand or marl, typically found in the Khouribga plateau deposits.
Formation & Location
Ouled Abdoun Basin, Khouribga, Morocco (typically associated with the Ypresian age phosphate beds).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches in slant height; this is a mid-to-large sized specimen for the species, though exceptional examples can exceed 4 inches.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD (often sold in bulk or as 'entry-level' collector pieces)
Rarity Assessment
Common; they are exported from Morocco in very large quantities annually.
Scientific Significance
Otodus obliquus represents the ancestral lineage that eventually led to the Carcharocles (Megalodon) line. It provides evidence for the evolution of gigantism in apex marine predators following the K-Pg extinction.
Preparation Recommendations
Mechanical cleaning with an air-scribe was likely used. For long-term preservation, ensure it is kept in a low-humidity environment to prevent pyrite disease if any iron sulfides are present in the core, though these light-colored teeth are generally stable.
Notable Features
Distinctive symmetrical shape and robust lateral cusplets; the light 'blonde' coloration is highly desirable for display contrast compared to darker river-found teeth.