description Helicoprion Overview
Helicoprion is an extinct genus of shark-like cartilaginous fish that lived during the Permian period, first named in 1899. Belonging to the order Eugeneodontida, this marine predator is famous for its bizarre anatomical feature: a symphyseal tooth whorl arranged in a continuous spiral. Because their skeletons were made of cartilage, these distinctively shaped tooth whorls are frequently the only fossilized remains discovered by paleontologists.
insights Ranking position
Helicoprion ranks #5 of 182 in the Shark ranking, behind Great white shark, ahead of Bull shark.
help Helicoprion FAQ
What bizarre anatomical feature is the Helicoprion known for?
Helicoprion is famous for its symphyseal tooth whorl, which is a continuous spiral of teeth arranged like a circular saw. This bizarre structure was located in its lower jaw, though its exact placement confused scientists for decades.
When did the Helicoprion live?
Helicoprion was an extinct genus of shark-like cartilaginous fish that lived during the Permian period. The genus successfully survived the Permian-Triassic extinction event before eventually going extinct.
When was the Helicoprion first discovered and named?
The genus was first named in 1899 based on fragmentary fossil evidence of its tooth whorls. Because the rest of its body was made of cartilage, which rarely fossilizes, full skeletal remains are exceedingly rare.
What order of fish does the Helicoprion belong to?
Despite looking like a shark, Helicoprion belongs to an extinct order of cartilaginous fish called Eugeneodontida. These marine predators are actually more closely related to modern ratfish than to true sharks.
explore Explore More
Similar to Helicoprion
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
