1.8" Xiphactinus Audax Fossil Vertebrae Cretaceous Era Fish Niobrara FM Kansas

Location: Niobrara Formation, Gove County, Kansas

Weight: 0.7 Ounces 

Dimensions: 1.8 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 0.6 Inches Thick

Late Cretaceous, 83 million years old

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This is a real fossil

Xiphactinus Audax was one of the largest bony fish of the Late Cretaceous and a true terror of the seas. Growing up to 17 feet (5 meters) in length, this predator relied on its powerful tail and broad, winglike pectoral fins to surge through the surface waters in pursuit of prey. Its upturned jaw bristled with massive, fanglike teeth that gave it a bulldog-like appearance—perfect for snaring unlucky fish and even seabirds that crossed its path.

Even at smaller sizes, this hunter was formidable. A 13-foot (4-meter) Xiphactinus could unhinge its jaws wide enough to swallow a six-foot (2-meter) fish whole, a fact dramatically confirmed by fossil finds showing entire prey preserved within its stomach. Yet despite its dominance, Xiphactinus was not untouchable—it occasionally fell victim to even larger predators, such as the giant shark Cretoxyrhina.

This ancient predator thrived in the Western Interior Seaway, a vast inland ocean that split North America during the Cretaceous period. Though extinct today, scientists believe it would have resembled an enormous, fanged tarpon if it still prowled our oceans.