A new Jurassic cow shark (Chondrichthyes, Hexanchiformes) with comments on Jurassic hexanchiform systematics

A new taxon, †Crassodontidanus gen. nov. of Hexanchiformes (cow sharks) from the Jurassic of Germany is described. It is characterized by peculiar teeth combining apomorphic (serrated mesial cutting edge of the main cusp) and plesiomorphic features (deep root with convex mesial and distal margins in labial and lingual views; protruding lingual root bulge). This character combination readily distinguishes members of the new taxon from all other known extant (Heptranchias, Hexanchus, Notorynchus) and extinct (†Gladioserratus, †Notidanodon, †Notidanoides, †Pachyhexanchus, †Paraheptranchias, †Weltonia) hexanchiforms. Currently, two species, †C. serratus (type species; Late Jurassic, Late Kimmeridgian of Nusplingen, South Germany) and †C. wiedenrothi (Early Jurassic, Early Pliensbachian of Gretenberg (Hanover), North Germany) are assigned to this taxon. †Crassodontidanus gen. nov. is member of †Crassonotidae fam. nov. and sister to †Notidanoides Maisey,1986 and †Pachyhexanchus Cappetta,1990. We consider †Notidanusamalthei Oppel,1854 from the Pliensbachian of South Germany, †Notidanusinsignis Seguenza,1887 from the Oxfordian of Sicily (Italy) and †Notidanuswagneri Agassiz, 1843 from the Early Tithonian of Solnhofen (South Germany) nomina dubia and nomina nuda, respectively. The family †Crassonotidae comprises plesiomorphic hexanchiforms ranging from the Sinemurian (Early Jurassic) to the Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous).