Scapanorhynchus

Taxobox
name = "Scapanorhynchus"
status = fossil
fossil_range = Early to Late Cretaceous
regnum = Animalia

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image_caption = "Scapanorhynchus rhaphiodon"
phylum = Chordata
classis = Chondrichthyes
subclassis = Elasmobranchii
superordo = Selachimorpha
familia = Mitsukurinidae
genus = "Scapanorhynchus"

"Scapanorhynchus" ("Spade Snout") is an extinct genus of shark from the Cretaceous era. Their extreme similarities to the living goblin shark, "Mitsukurina owstoni", lead some experts to consider reclassifying it as "Scapanorhynchus owstoni". However, most shark specialists regard the goblin shark to be distinct enough from its prehistoric relatives to merit placement in its own genus.

"Scapanorhynchus" had an elongated, albeit, flattened snout, and sharp awl-shaped teeth, ideal for seizing fish, or tearing chunks of flesh from its prey.