Enchodus Libycus Fossil Collection
Often referred to as the Sabre-toothed herring, Enchodus actually appears to be more related to salmon. The pointed teeth--set in a wide mouth--are perfect for biting small slippery prey like fish and squid.
Large individuals of this species had fangs measuring 2.4", with a total body length of 4.9', giving its skull an appearance similar to modern anglerfish and viperfish.
Enchodus was a Actinoptergii (ray-finned fish), flourishing during the late Cretaceous. Despite being a predator, Enchodus are commonly found among the stomach contents of larger predators: sharks, mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and seabirds. Mother Nature is a tough old bird!