Xiphactinus audax

(zie FAK tin us)

Description: Ray-finned Fish

Specimen location: Niobrara Chalk of Northwestern Kansas

The flattened Xiphactinus head shows how these large marine fossils are typically found, flattened by tons of sediment. Note the large teeth which are ideal for grasping prey.

Specimen location: Carlile Shale of Northwestern Kansas

Several Xiphactinus specimens have been found with other complete fish skeletons fossilized inside. This specimen, collected by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County near Hays, Kansas, is the only Xiphactinus ever found with remains of a Pachyrhizodus inside.

LACM 130324 (5894)
Discoverer: Marion Bonner

LACM 1481164(5546)
Discoverer: J.D. Stweart