Deep within Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave system, paleontologists have uncovered the remains of a never-before-seen species of ancient shark. Named Clavusodens mcginnisi, or McGinnis’ nail tooth,

Scientists have found ancient nail tooth shark fossils deep inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, revealing new information about a mysterious group of extinct predators.

An ongoing Paleontological Resource Inventory discovered the new species, called Clavusodens mcginnisi, while collecting fossil teeth deep inside a formation with the cave system.

The US National Park Service announced the identification of a new species of ancient shark, Clavusodens mcginnisi, discovered in Mammoth Cave National Park. The species name honors David McGinnis for his leadership in paleontological resource stewardship.

The Chipmunk Shark was believed to have swam along the ocean floor that is said to have covered much of central Kentucky during the Middle Mississippian period, officials claim.