Jaw with Teeth of the Fish Enchodus lybicus – Morocco
Locality: Khouribga phosphate mines, western Morocco
Dimensions: 40 x 18 x 9 cm
Weight: 5.6 kg
Fossil preservation: good
Age: Late Cretaceous – Eocene (55–34 million years old)
| Category: | Morocco |
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Enchodus lybicus – Jaw with Teeth
Enchodus lybicus was an extinct genus of predatory bony fish, commonly known as the "saber-toothed herring" because of its prominent fang-like teeth. Despite this nickname, it was most likely more closely related to modern salmon than to herrings. Its most distinctive feature was a pair of long, sharp teeth at the front of both the upper and lower jaws, perfectly adapted for seizing and holding slippery prey.
Life and Hunting
Enchodus was a fast-swimming marine predator that fed primarily on smaller fish, cephalopods and other marine animals. Once captured by its long fangs, prey was swallowed using rapid jaw movements. Its streamlined body, large eyes and powerful dentition made it an efficient hunter. The largest individuals reached lengths of up to 1.5 metres, with teeth exceeding 6 centimetres in length.
The Offered Specimen
Although Enchodus was an impressive predator, it also served as prey for sharks, marine reptiles and other large carnivores of its time. The genus survived the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, and its fossils have been discovered almost worldwide. Most finds consist of isolated teeth, while jaws and skull fragments are considerably rarer. This specimen features a well-preserved section of jaw with teeth from Enchodus lybicus, originating from Morocco.