Cretolamna was a swift, predatory shark that roamed the ancient seas during the Late Cretaceous period, around 100 to 46 million years ago. Although it’s often overshadowed by its more famous (possible) descendant, Megalodon, Cretolamna played a vital role in the marine ecosystems of its time. Fossil teeth from this formidable shark have been discovered in several locations across New Jersey, including our own quarry, highlighting the region’s rich and dynamic prehistoric past.

New Jersey during the Cretaceous was largely covered by a warm, shallow inland sea teeming with marine life. Cretolamna would have hunted fish, squid, and smaller marine reptiles in these waters, acting as one of the top predators in the food chain. Its teeth, characterized by their triangular shape and small side cusps, are frequently found in fossil beds across the state and are a favorite among local fossil hunters. In our Collections & Conservation at EFM, we have discovered what could possibly be Cretolamna bite marks on a turtle bone. You can also find several Cretolamna teeth in our galleries!

These fossils give us a glimpse into a time when New Jersey was part of a thriving oceanic environment. The discovery of Cretolamna teeth alongside fossils of mosasaurs, ammonites, and other ancient sea creatures, some of which were found right here in our own quarry, paints a vivid picture of life beneath the waves. Today, these remnants help paleontologists better understand how ancient sharks evolved and how East Coast marine ecosystems have changed over millions of years.