Itsekertovia

Itsekertovia is a genus of extinct cartilaginous fish belonging to the order Heterodontiformes. These ancient sharks lived during the Late Cretaceous period, with fossils primarily found in Europe, particularly in regions like France and Belgium. The genus is characterized by its distinctive heterodont dentition, meaning it possessed different types of teeth in its jaws, a characteristic feature of the Heterodontiformes order.

Fossil evidence suggests that Itsekertovia had a relatively small to medium size for its time. Its teeth, which are the most commonly preserved remains, indicate a diet likely consisting of hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. The anterior teeth were pointed, suitable for grasping, while the posterior teeth were flattened and molar-like, used for crushing. This specialized dentition allowed Itsekertovia to exploit a specific ecological niche within its marine environment. While complete skeletons are rare, the teeth provide valuable insights into the morphology and paleoecology of this prehistoric shark. The classification of Itsekertovia within Heterodontiformes highlights its evolutionary relationship to modern bullhead sharks.