Anacoracidae
Squalicorax pristodontus
Large crow shark
Cretaceousuncommon
The biggest of the crow sharks. Broader, more triangular, and noticeably larger than S. kaupi. Latest Cretaceous — the genus made it almost to the K-Pg extinction.
Typical size
0.6–1.5″
Trophy size
1.75″+
Age range
99–66 Ma
Body length
—
How to ID it in the field
- ▸Broader and more triangular than S. kaupi — almost like a small meg outline
- ▸Coarse serrations the whole way around
- ▸Distal heel is rounded rather than sharply hooked
- ▸Anything over 1" in NJ creeks deserves a careful look
Quick reference
Shape
serrated leaf
Serrations
coarse
Cusplets
none
Root
asymmetric
Color
Glossy black to dark brown
Sample reference images
Use these visual references to compare angle, wear, and silhouette before making a final ID.
