SkaTES, RAYS and FISH

 

Anomoeodus phaseolus (Hay)

Age  Cretaceous - Occurrence  Very Common
 

Anomoeodus phaseolus, part of the boney fish family had cobblestone-like teeth capable of crushing oysters. These “crushers” were replaced by new ones as teeth became worn helping to account for the large number of teeth found. The teeth are easy to identify, they look like black beans with the backside hollowed out and are usually in the ¼ inch to 1 inch range.  Branchial or gill teeth can also be found, these are small, thin hooked teeth averaging less than 1/4 of an inch and are easily overlooked. Fossil records indicate that this fish became extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period.

Anomoeodus phaseolus with the tooth still attached to part
of the mouth plate.
 

The shape of the teeth can vary from round to canoe shaped depending
on the position in the jaw.
 

Branchial (gill) tooth
The enamel portion of these teeth is normally translucent.
 

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