Lemon Shark Tooth (Fossilized)
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Carcharhiniformes, Family: Carcharhinidae, Genus: Negaprion, Species: eurybathrodon · Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark Family) · Vertebrate Fossil (Shark Tooth); Shape: T-shaped/Triangular with T-shaped Root
Species
Negaprion eurybathrodon (fossil species) or Negaprion brevirostris (modern)
Shell Type
Vertebrate Fossil (Shark Tooth); Shape: T-shaped/Triangular with T-shaped Root
Family
Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark Family)
Size
Approximately 0.25 to 0.4 inches (6-10 mm). This is a small, likely juvenile specimen or a secondary tooth position.
Color & Pattern
Deep jet black to dark charcoal gray. The uniform dark coloration indicates fossilization where minerals (like phosphate or manganese) replaced the organic calcium over thousands of years.
Rarity
Common (fossilized shark teeth are frequently found by beachcombers in specific regions like Venice, Florida or Myrtle Beach, South Carolina).
Habitat
Found in marine environments. Fossilized teeth are typically found in Miocene to Pliocene geological formations often exposed by coastal erosion.
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan in warm temperate and tropical waters; frequently found on Atlantic coast beaches from New Jersey to Florida, and Gulf of Mexico.
Description
A small, fossilized shark tooth characterized by a smooth-edged, narrow, erect crown and a wide, flat T-shaped root. The enameloid is strikingly black and lustrous. Unlike some other requiem sharks, the tooth lacks serrations, giving it a sleek, sharp appearance.
Key Features
Narrow, needle-like crown; lacks serrations on the cutting edges; wide and distinctively flat root base; symmetrical shape suggests it may be from the lower jaw.
Collector Value
Low monetary value ($0.50–$2.00) but high sentimental and educational value for hobbyists. Larger, more 'perfect' specimens are more sought after.
Condition Notes
Good fossil condition. The crown appears intact with a sharp tip; however, the root lobes appear slightly worn or rounded by wave action (tumbled). Collectibility: Fine.
Interesting Facts
Sharks can lose up to 35,000 teeth in a lifetime. These black teeth are fossils, usually ranging from 10,000 to millions of years old; modern teeth are white.
Ecological Role
As an apex predator, the lemon shark regulates fish populations. Fossil teeth provide geological records of prehistoric marine biodiversity.
Similar Species
Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus) - has distinct side cusplets. Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas) - has broad, serrated triangular crowns.
Beach Finding Tips
Look in 'shell hash' lines at low tide. Seek out dark, triangular shapes among broken shells and black pebbles. Venice Beach, FL is the shark tooth capital of the world.