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XIPHACTINUS AUDAX ASSOCIATED JAWS AND VERTEBRA - Niobrara Chalk Formation, Northwestern Kansas, U.S. LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD: 96 - 66 million years ago The Xiphactinus audax was a large predatory bony fish that can be considered the T. rex of all bony fishes that ever inhabited the ancient seas during the Cretaceous. This amazing creature lived in a shallow prehistoric sea that once covered what is now the central portion of the United States. The name Xiphactinus means "Sword Ray" and was termed to describe the dramatic sword-like pectoral fins of this massive fish. This superb and rare associated set of Xiphactinus remains were found together and make for a fascinating display. Displayed in their quality glass-topped case, the presentation is impressively large and breath-taking as one gazes upon such massive specimens and can't help but wonder the fearful presence such a large predatory fish must have invoked. The vertebra is 2 inches in diameter! The jaw section on the bottom is a lower jaw still with the teeth including a beautiful erupting tooth seen in the last photo on the left. A portion of the upper jaw is displayed in the upper right of the case and has the remnant base of a large fang still seated in the bone. Associated fossils are more valuable compared to random collections of fossils from different creatures. Our direct relationship with individuals that hunt the regions where these rare fossils are found allows us to be able to offer such a rarity to you.
These associated Xiphactinus fossil specimens come with our highest recommendation and represent a stunning example of the enormous and vicious marine life that once inhabited our Cretaceous seas. QUALITY AND RECOGNIZABLE FOSSILS FROM THIS CREATURE - RARE!!!
16.3" x 12.3" with glass top case, lower jaw is 11.5" in length, vertebra is 2" in diameter SOLD MV2001 LARGE DISPLAY CASE INCLUDED Actual Item - One Only |
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Xiphactinus
audax is believed to have attained lengths of 18 - 20 feet with fangs
2" long! It was first discovered in 1870 by Joseph Leidy who
named the fish from a pectoral spine fragment that he recovered from the
Smoky Hill Chalk of Kansas. Xiphactinus most probably looked like
a huge modern-day tarpon fish except for the ferocious protruding
fangs. Based on the similar body and head structure, Xiphactinus
most likely behaved like a tarpon with lightning quick and savage
strikes to surface and near surface swimming prey, bursting from the
water's surface with explosive energy and high aerial leaps.