A new ancient ocean resident has arrived in 3D Dinopedia: Hybodus. This extinct genus of hybodont sharks became a true Mesozoic survivor, known for its adaptability across changing seas and ecosystems.

Hybodus lasted an astonishingly long time - from the Middle Triassic (around 240 million years ago) to the Late Cretaceous (about 66 million years ago), enduring multiple major shifts in ocean life. Fossils have been found across much of the world, showing it wasn’t a rare specialist but a widespread, resilient predator.

What makes Hybodus especially fascinating is its two-purpose tooth setup. The front teeth were sharp and slightly curved for gripping slippery prey like fish and squid, while the back teeth were flatter and broader for crushing hard shells and armored creatures. With two dorsal fins and a strong defensive spine at the front fin, it was built to hunt - and to avoid becoming prey.

Open the app and explore Hybodus in 3D: its “multi-tool” jaws, defensive fin spine, and the traits that helped it thrive for millions of years.