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XIPHACTINUS AUDAX LOWER JAW WITH TEETH - 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, rare lower jaw of a Xiphactinus is quite an impressive example. Rarely are the teeth in such a state of quality preservation. This jaw has been repaired and chemically stabilized for strength but it is exactly as found. This is NOT a composite of unassociated teeth that have been glued in the jaw. All the teeth you see in this jaw are completely original! Displayed in a quality glass-topped case, the presentation is remarkable and breath-taking. The jaw looks very similar to a dinosaur jaw and I would suppose the ferocity of this fish was equal to any carnivore its size. Our direct relationship with individuals that hunt the regions where these rare fossils are found allows us to be able to offer such a seldom seen and choice grade specimen to you.
This Xiphactinus jaw comes with our highest recommendation and represents a stunning example of the enormous and vicious marine life that once inhabited our Cretaceous seas. A SUPER JAW IN STUNNING PRESERVATION WITH NICE TEETH! 6.6" in length x 3.2" high overall (display case 12" x 8") SOLD MV2002 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX 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.