Researchers Found Prehistoric Shark Fossils in Egypt
A study in Cretaceous Research identified seven shark species from 66 million years ago in the Western Desert.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Environmental
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Paleontologists discovered 14 shark teeth within the Duwi Formation beneath the Abu-Tartur Plateau in Egypt's Western Desert. Published in August 2026, the study confirms these findings date back to the late Cretaceous period.
Why it matters
The presence of diverse shark teeth in the phosphate beds indicates that this region of the Sahara was once a nutrient-rich marine environment. This evidence expands the known fossil record for these extinct species within Africa.
Researchers identified seven shark species from 14 teeth, including three species recorded in Egypt for the first time. The team further suggests that the species Scapanorhynchus cf. raphiodon may have been identified in Africa for the first time.
The players
Cretaceous Research
An academic journal specializing in the paleontology and geology of the Cretaceous period.
The details
Paleontologists extracted these specimens from the phosphate fossil bed of the Duwi Formation, a geological layer known for preserving marine life. The team identified the species by comparing the morphology of the 14 found teeth against global fossil records. The variation in tooth size and shape suggests that the area served as a thriving, nutrient-rich sea during the late Cretaceous.
Timeline
66 million years ago: The sharks lived in the area.
August 2026: Study published in Cretaceous Research.
The Tech Race
This finding builds upon the ongoing research into the Duwi Formation to map prehistoric marine ecosystems. It follows a pattern of discoveries that incrementally piece together the biodiversity of Africa's ancient oceans.
This research provides a clearer scientific understanding of ancient climate and biodiversity, serving as a baseline for paleontologists and geology students. Future developments in this work will likely include detailed comparative analyses of the newly identified species.
The takeaway
This discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity of the Sahara's ancient marine history. Researchers are now looking to expand their search to confirm the full range of species that inhabited this Cretaceous-era sea.
What happens next
Researchers plan to conduct further field investigations at the Abu-Tartur Plateau to search for additional fossil specimens.
Further reading
Explore more findings in our Environmental section.
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