Dusky Shark Jaw
The dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a species in the family Carcharhinidae, occurring in tropical and warm-temperate continental seas worldwide. A generalist apex predator, the dusky shark can be found from the coast to the outer continental shelf and adjacent pelagic waters, and has been recorded from a depth of 400 meters.
One of the largest members of its genus, the dusky shark reaches 4.2 meters in length and 350 kg in weight. Adult dusky sharks have a broad and varied diet, consisting mostly of bony fishes, sharks and rays, and cephalopods, but also occasionally crustaceans, sea stars, sea turtles, marine mammals, carrion, and garbage. This species is highly valued by commercial fisheries for its fins, used in shark fin soup, and for its meat, skin, and liver oil.
The dusky shark is regarded as potentially dangerous to humans due to its large size, but there are few attacks attributable to it.
This one was from Madagascar waters and is mounted in a handmade brass support on a black lacquered wood base.