Species
Ichthyodectes ctenodon
Ichthyodectes ctenodonIchthyodectes ctenodon was a swift, open-water predatory fish that patrolled the warm epicontinental seaways of the Late Cretaceous. Unlike its gargantuan relative Xiphactinus, which possessed uneven fangs, this hunter wielded jaws lined with uniform, comb-like teeth tailored for shearing and gripping slippery prey. Complete fossils preserved within chalk formations reveal a sleek, torpedo-shaped body built for rapid pursuit in sunlit pelagic waters.
CarnivorePrehistoric
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGillicus arcuatus, Enchodus petrosus, Cephalopods
Predators
- Cretoxyrhina mantelli
- Tylosaurus proriger
- Xiphactinus audax
ThreatsMarine reptiles, large lamniform sharks, and the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event
HabitatsWarm, shallow epicontinental seas and open marine pelagic zones
Life spanEstimated 15–25 years
Classification
- FamilyIchthyodectidae
- SpeciesIchthyodectes ctenodon
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Extinct species known only from fossil remains; safe to observe.
Responsible observation
- Fossil Viewing: Examine complete chalk slabs in natural history museums to appreciate its streamlined skeleton.
- Dental Inspection: Note the uniform, comb-like tooth rows that distinguish it from fang-bearing relatives.
Apex Predator User:A,Ocram / Public domain · cc0
Image unavailableApex Predator 
Prey MCDinosaurhunter / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Jonathan Chen / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-saClose Relative
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