Physogaleus

Physogaleus is a small genus of prehistoric shark that lived from the Eocene to Miocene epochs.[1][2]

Physogaleus
Temporal range: Ypresian-Burdigalian 56–15.97 Ma
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Chondrichthyes
Order: Carcharhiniformes
Genus: †Physogaleus
Cappetta, 1980
Type species
Physogaleus secundus
(Winkler, 1876)
Species
  • Physogaleus americanus Case, 1994
  • Physogaleus contortus (Gibbes, 1849)
  • Physogaleus hemmooriensis Reinecke & Hoedemakers, 2006
  • Physogaleus huberensis (Case, 1981)
  • Physogaleus latecuspidatus Muller, 1999
  • Physogaleus latus (Storms, 1894)
  • Physogaleus maltzani (Winkler, 1875)
  • Physogaleus rosehillensis Case & Borodin, 2000
  • Physogaleus secundus (Winkler, 1876)
  • Physogaleus tertius (Winkler, 1876)

Description

Physogaleus are only known from their fossil teeth and isolated vertebra. It has teeth similar to the modern tiger shark, but smaller. Species of Physogaleus were originally described as being teeth of extinct tiger shark species in the genus Galeocerdo. Recognition of numerous differences in tooth anatomies of these species with other species of Galeocerdo lead researchers to erect the genus Physogaleus.[3]

Physogaleus teeth are smaller than those of true tiger sharks, lacking the heavy serrations typical of Galeocerdo, are more slender and can be twisted toward the crown. This indicates individuals of Physogaleus probably had a diet of bony fish, similar to the living sand-tiger shark.[2]

References
  1. Reinecke, Thomas; Hoedemakers, Kristiaan (2006). "Physogaleus hemmooriensis (Carcharhinidae, Elasmobranchii) A New Shark Species from the Early to Middle Miocene of the North Sea Basin". PalaeoVertebrata. 34 (1–2): 1-25.
  2. "Tiger Shark Facts and Information". Fossilguy.
  3. Hernandez, C. 2015. Paleobiology of the Mio-Pliocene sharks, with emphasis on the extinct apex predator Carcharocles megalodon. University of Florida. Unpublished Ph.D. Dissertation


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