Scientific name: Kryptops palaios, (Sereno & Brusatte, 2008) - Abelisaurid Theropod Dinosaur Tooth. Location: Gadoufaoua, Téneré Desert, Niger Geological Formation: Erlhaz Fm Age: Lower Cretaceous, Aptian/Albian stage ( 113 million years) Size: 3cm REF.: #J732 DESCRIPTION: Observations: An impressive and exceptionally large authentic tooth attributed to Kryptops palaios, a predatory abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Niger, Africa. This remarkable specimen stands out for its considerable size relative to typical teeth attributed to this species, as well as its unusual, deep-black enamel coloration, which gives it a particularly striking appearance. Abelisaurid teeth are generally characterized by their laterally compressed, recurved crowns and sharp, serrated cutting edges, adaptations associated with gripping and slicing flesh. These features reflect the specialized predatory lifestyle of this fascinating group of carnivorous dinosaurs. The specimen retains portions of its original natural sandstone matrix, adding to its authentic appearance and geological character. Condition: The tooth has undergone minor repairs involving two fractures that have been carefully rejoined. No restoration or reconstructed material has been added. Its natural enamel, original coloration, and fossilized structure remain preserved. An outstanding collector's specimen, combining impressive size, exceptional black coloration, and authentic preservation. Taxonomic note: Attribution to Kryptops palaios is provisional, as isolated abelisaurid teeth are generally difficult to identify confidently at species level. Kryptops is a genus of abelisaurid theropod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Niger. It is known from a partial skeleton found at the Gadoufaoua locality in the western Ténéré Desert, in rocks of the Aptian-Albian age Elrhaz Formation. This dinosaur was described by paleontologists Paul Sereno in 2008. The genus name means "covered face", in reference to evidence that the face bore a tightly-adhering covering. The type species is K. palaios, which means "old". In Elrhaz Fm have been described several genera of crocodylomorphs (Anatosuchus, Araripesuchus, Sarcosuchus, and Stolokrosuchus), undescribed ornithocheirid pterosaurs, the theropod dinosaurs Eocarcharia, Kryptops, Suchomimus, and an undescribed noasaurid (possibly Bahariasaurus), the sauropods Nigersaurus and an undescribed titanosaurian (possibly Malawisaurus), and the iguanodontians Lurdusaurus, Ouranosaurus and Erlhazosaurus. All of our fossils come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Every week, the issued Certificates of Authenticity are updated in our database verification system on our website. If you find that your certificate has not yet been updated, please contact us and we will update it immediately. Display box included.