Otodontidae
Otodus chubutensis
Chubutensis
OligoceneMiocenerare
Megalodon's transitional ancestor. Looks almost identical to a small meg but retains tiny lateral cusplets — vestiges of its Otodus ancestry — that disappear entirely in true megalodon.
Typical size
2–5″
Trophy size
5.5″+
Age range
23–23 Ma
Body length
—
How to ID it in the field
- ▸Overall shape and serration pattern indistinguishable from a small meg
- ▸Look for tiny triangular cusplets on the shoulders of the root
- ▸Cusplets may be partially fused or worn — examine with a loupe
- ▸Most common in Oligocene–early Miocene strata
Quick reference
Shape
broad triangle
Serrations
fine
Cusplets
tiny pair
Root
broad bilobed
Color
Slate, blue-grey, brown
Sample reference images
Use these visual references to compare angle, wear, and silhouette before making a final ID.
