Description

Hexanchus gracilis
Late Cretaceous (Late Santonian)
Chekka Formation
Sahel Alma Quarry, 2.5km east of Jounieh
Keserwan District, Lebanon

Extremely rare near complete shark. Both a rare species and even preserves soft parts and jaws. Incredible 190mm ventral view with superb soft-tissue preservation of the skull, dermal denticles, vertebral column and cartilage. Articulated jaws have at least 35 teeth plus many parts of other teeth. There are two symphyseal teeth stacked obliquely in top of each other, parasymphyseal teeth, lowers and uppers, and even the extreme posterior/commisural teeth visible under magnification.

Hexanchus is a genus of sharks within the family Hexanchidae, commonly known as cow sharks or sixgill sharks. These sharks are notable for having six gill slits, whereas most other sharks have only five. The genus includes a few species, with the most well-known being the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus).

Characteristics of Hexanchus Sharks:

Gill Slits: Six pairs, a distinctive feature setting them apart from many other shark species.

Size: They can grow quite large, with some species reaching lengths of over 5 meters (16 feet).

Habitat: These sharks are typically found in deep waters, often on continental and insular shelves, but can also be found in shallower coastal areas.

Behavior: Hexanchus sharks are generally slow-moving and nocturnal, spending daylight hours in deep waters and coming closer to the surface to feed at night.

Diet: Their diet includes a wide range of prey such as fish, other sharks, rays, crustaceans, and carrion.