Fossil Lemon Shark Tooth (not a shell)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Carcharhiniformes, Family: Carcharhinidae, Genus: Negaprion · Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark family) · Fossilized Shark Tooth (Vertebrate Fossil). Note: This is an organic mineralized structure, not a mollusk shell.
Species
Negaprion eurybathrodon (extinct) or Negaprion brevirostris (modern)
Shell Type
Fossilized Shark Tooth (Vertebrate Fossil). Note: This is an organic mineralized structure, not a mollusk shell.
Family
Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark family)
Size
Approximately 0.4 to 0.5 inches (10-12mm). This is on the smaller side for the genus, likely from a juvenile or a lateral position in the jaw.
Color & Pattern
Solid jet-black coloration indicates fossilization through permineralization. The high luster suggests the enameloid is well-preserved. There are no growth bands or patterns, which is typical for fossilized teeth.
Rarity
Common to Very Common. These are frequently found along the 'Shark Tooth Capital' beaches of Venice, Florida, and the low-country of South Carolina.
Habitat
Found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and nearshore reef environments. However, as a fossil, it is found in sedimentary deposits eroded by tide and surf.
Geographic Range
Primarily the Western Atlantic (Florida, Carolinas, and Gulf of Mexico), though the genus is found circumglobally in tropical and subtropical waters.
Description
A sleek, fossilized shark tooth characterized by a distinctive T-shape. The crown is narrow, smooth-edged, and lacks serrations, rising from a wide, flat root. Its deep black polish is a result of phosphorite replacement over millions of years.
Key Features
Narrow, upright, non-serrated triangular crown; wide, horizontally oriented root; smooth blade edges; T-shaped profile.
Collector Value
Low monetary value ($1-$5) but high sentimental value for hobbyists. Larger specimens over 1 inch are more sought after. They are commonly sold in vials at beach gift shops.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition (Fine to Gem grade). The tip is sharp and intact, and the root lobes appear complete. High gloss indicates minimal tumbling or erosion by waves.
Interesting Facts
Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. These fossils are typically 2 to 20 million years old (Miocene/Pliocene). Lemon sharks are named for their yellow-brown skin color which helps them camouflage against sandy sea floors.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. Lemon sharks regulate fish populations. Collecting fossil teeth has no negative ecological impact as the animal is long deceased and the material is mineralized.
Similar Species
Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) teeth are wider/serrated; Sand Tiger (Carcharias taurus) teeth have prominent tiny side cusplets; Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon) teeth are smaller and angled.
Beach Finding Tips
Look for the 'black shine' among shell fragments at the tide line. Best found after a storm or at low tide in areas with dark, shell-heavy gravel bars.