Otodontidae
Otodus angustidens
Angustidens
Oligocenerare
The grandparent of megalodon — a 30-foot apex predator of Oligocene seas. Its hallmark prominent triangular cusplets give it away instantly.
Typical size
1.5–4.5″
Trophy size
5″+
Age range
33.9–23 Ma
Body length
—
How to ID it in the field
- ▸Triangle blade with two large, distinct lateral cusplets
- ▸Cusplets are pointed and fully separate from the main blade
- ▸Fine serrations across blade and often into the cusplets
- ▸South Carolina rivers are a hotspot
Quick reference
Shape
broad triangle
Serrations
fine
Cusplets
prominent pair
Root
broad bilobed
Color
Brown, tan, grey
Sample reference images
Use these visual references to compare angle, wear, and silhouette before making a final ID.
📷 PaleoPrefect · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
📷 Crazyunclejim · Public domain · Commons
📷 Ghedoghedo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons