Lajeitidae

Lajeitidae is a family of extinct cartilaginous fishes belonging to the order Orectolobiformes, commonly known as carpet sharks. These sharks lived during the Late Cretaceous epoch. Fossils of Lajeitidae have been found in various locations, indicating a widespread distribution during their time. The family is primarily known from fossilized teeth and vertebrae, which are characteristic of this group.

Members of Lajeitidae shared several traits with modern carpet sharks, including a generally flattened body shape and the presence of two dorsal fins. Their teeth were typically small and pointed, adapted for grasping prey. While their exact diet is not fully understood, it is inferred that they fed on small fish and invertebrates. The discovery of Lajeitidae fossils provides valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of sharks during the Mesozoic Era. Their extinction, like that of many other marine species, is thought to be linked to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. Further research continues to shed light on the specific ecological roles and evolutionary relationships of Lajeitidae within the broader context of shark paleontology.