Xiphodolamia

Xiphodolamia is a rare extinct genus of mackerel shark which lived during the Eocene epoch. It is only known from isolated teeth, but has been found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is assumed to be pelagic, occurring more frequently in deeper water deposits, most notably the London Clay and Eocene deposits in Denmark. It is distinguished by its rectangular root and twisted blade, unique among mackerel sharks. It is unclear what niche this specialized dentition helped exploit.

Xiphodolamia
Temporal range:
Xiphodolamia ensis teeth from the London Clay
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Chondrichthyes
Order:
Lamniformes
Family:
Incertae sedis
Genus:
Xiphodolamia

Leidy, 1877
Species
  • X. ensis
  • X. serrata
  • X. eocaena (?)
  • X. barbadica (?)
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