Scapanorhynchus

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Scapanorhynchus
Fossil range: Early to Late Cretaceous
Scapanorhynchus rhaphiodon
Scapanorhynchus rhaphiodon
Conservation status
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Subclass: Elasmobranchii
Superorder: Selachimorpha
Family: Mitsukurinidae
Genus: Scapanorhynchus

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.

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