Above: Front of the Specimen Card During the Paleocene Epoch, the Megatoothed sharks emerged as apex predators, dominating the seas for nearly 60,000,000 years. Otodus obliquus was the first of these giant ocean predators, with vertebrae over 5 inches in diameter, and an estimated body length between 30 to 40 feet, the creature was nearly as long as a bus. Above: Detail shot of Medium Otodus specimens. Otodus’ long, smooth teeth were ideal for puncturing fish. In addition, the main tooth was flanked by two smaller structures called cusplets. These miniature teeth helped the shark latch onto its prey and hold its meal in place. Above: The backside of a Megalodon tooth contrasted with the Medium Otodus. Evolution in action! As you can see above, Otodus' descendants, the Megalodons, lost these cusplets and developed serrated teeth, a later evolutionary adaptation suited for tearing flesh from cetacean prey. Above: A Large Otodus specimen in hand. This specimen is an Otodus obliquus tooth from Morocco with an estimated age of 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 years old. Above: Typical Medium Otodus specimens. Please Note: Otodus teeth are quite sharp and should be handled with care. These specimens are relatively uniform in color, and all teeth will show some sign of repair. Smaller teeth typically have one cusplet while larger teeth typically have two. Sizing and Display: Small - 1"-1.5" Medium - 1.75 to 2.5" Large - 2.6" and up Small Otodus teeth come inside our classic, glass-topped riker display box. The box measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". Above: Typical Otodus Small, Medium, and Large specimens in a side-by-side comparison. As you can see above, the Medium and Large Otodus teeth are too thick for a riker so we are shipping them in a secure and sturdy carton. A small information card is included with each specimen that also serves as the certificate of authenticity. Above: Medium Otodus Specimen
