{"product_id":"cretoxyrhina-mantelli-2","title":"Cretoxyrhina mantelli","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"629\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"66\"\u003eCretoxyrhina mantelli\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e was a large lamniform shark from the Late Cretaceous (approx. 100–82 million years Before Present), widely distributed in the epicontinental seas that covered large regions of what is now North America and other continental shelves. Informally known as the \"ginsu shark\" due to the morphology of its teeth—sharp, laterally compressed, and with smooth edges—this taxon represents one of the main marine predators of its time and a prominent example of ecological convergence with modern high-trophic-level sharks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"1484\"\u003eFrom a biometric standpoint, total length estimates for \u003cstrong data-start=\"707\" data-end=\"722\"\u003eC. mantelli\u003c\/strong\u003e range between 6 and 7 meters in adults, with some exceptionally large individuals possibly slightly exceeding these figures. Body mass has been inferred to be in an approximate range of 1.5 to 2.5 tons, depending on the allometric models used and comparisons with extant lamniforms such as \u003cem data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1066\"\u003eCarcharodon carcharias\u003c\/em\u003e. The cartilaginous skeleton rarely preserves, but the abundance of fossil teeth—up to 7 cm high—and some vertebral remains allow for relatively robust reconstructions of its size and proportions. The vertebrae suggest relatively rapid growth and an active physiology, possibly with some degree of regional endothermy (mesothermy), similar to that observed in modern lamnids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1486\" data-end=\"2280\"\u003eRegarding its habits, \u003cstrong data-start=\"1511\" data-end=\"1536\"\u003eCretoxyrhina mantelli\u003c\/strong\u003e was an apex predator with a broad and opportunistic diet. Fossil evidence, including bite marks and fossilized stomach contents, indicates that it fed on large bony fish, other sharks, marine reptiles such as mosasaurs and plesiosaurs, and even primitive seabirds. The homodont dentition, with triangular teeth and no serrations, suggests an efficient cutting mechanism based on bite force and lateral head movement, allowing it to section large prey into manageable fragments. Its hydrodynamic body morphology and the possible presence of a well-developed heterocercal caudal fin point to a fast swimmer, capable of active pursuits in the open water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"3012\"\u003eThe habitat of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2311\"\u003eC. mantelli\u003c\/strong\u003e was dominated by warm and relatively shallow marine environments, characteristic of the Late Cretaceous, such as the Western Interior Seaway. This system connected the Arctic with the Gulf of Mexico, creating an extensive network of pelagic and neritic ecosystems with high biological productivity. Within this context, \u003cstrong data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2688\"\u003eCretoxyrhina\u003c\/strong\u003e occupied open-water ecological niches, although it probably also frequented more coastal areas in search of prey or during specific stages of its life cycle. The geographical distribution of its fossils suggests tolerance to different marine conditions, always within relatively high thermal ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate measurements of Cretoxyrhina:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1:35 scale Complete\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLength 140 mm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight 61 mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth 77 mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Dino and Dog","offers":[{"title":"1:35 \/ Unprimed","offer_id":54762869850380,"sku":"DC-1377-135-SINI","price":42.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1:35 \/ Primed","offer_id":54762869883148,"sku":"DC-1377-135-IMPRI","price":49.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"1:35 \/ Hand-painted","offer_id":54762869915916,"sku":"DC-1377-135-PINTA","price":165.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/1106\/7660\/files\/Cretoxyrhina_9.jpg?v=1776603999","url":"https:\/\/dinosauriacreatures.com\/en\/products\/cretoxyrhina-mantelli-2","provider":"Dinosauria Creatures","version":"1.0","type":"link"}