Bull Shark Tooth (Fossilized)
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Carcharhiniformes, Family: Carcharhinidae, Genus: Carcharhinus, Species: leucas · Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark family) · Fossil Shark Tooth (Vertebrate Fossil); Triangular/Blade-shaped
Species
Carcharhinus leucas
Shell Type
Fossil Shark Tooth (Vertebrate Fossil); Triangular/Blade-shaped
Family
Carcharhinidae (Requiem Shark family)
Size
Approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length. This is a typical size for a juvenile Bull Shark or a lateral tooth position for an adult, as they can reach up to 1.5 inches.
Color & Pattern
Uniform jet black to dark charcoal gray. This coloration is a result of permineralization, where the original calcium phosphate is replaced by minerals (likely phosphate or iron) from the surrounding sediment over millions of years.
Rarity
Common; Bull shark teeth are among the most frequently found fossil shark teeth along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Habitat
Ancient coastal marine environments. Modern Bull Sharks are unique for their ability to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater (euryhaline), often found in estuaries and rivers.
Geographic Range
Globally distributed in warm, shallow coastal waters. This specific specimen was found in Myrtle Beach, SC, which is a famous hotbed for Miocene and Pliocene era marine fossils.
Description
A classic triangular shark tooth featuring a broad, flat root and a sharp, serrated blade. The tooth exhibits the characteristic robustness of the Carcharhinus genus, designed for gripping and tearing prey. The enameloid is smooth and dark, while the root appears somewhat porous and weathered.
Key Features
Triangular shape with a broad base; fine serrations along the edges of the blade; lack of distinct 'side cusplets' found in Sand Tiger teeth; a relatively flat lingual side and slightly convex labial side.
Collector Value
Low to Moderate. While highly prized by casual beachcombers as a 'lucky find,' these are very common in the fossil record. Specimens with perfectly preserved roots and razor-sharp serrations hold higher value for serious collectors.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The blade is mostly intact with a sharp tip, but the root appears significantly eroded or broken, which is common for beach-found fossils tumbled by the surf. The serrations are slightly worn.
Interesting Facts
Bull sharks have one of the highest bite forces of any fish species. Their teeth are part of a 'conveyor belt' system where new teeth constantly rotate forward to replace lost ones; a single shark can lose thousands of teeth in its lifetime.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. As fossils, these teeth represent the historical presence of large predators that maintained the balance of marine populations by weeding out the sick and old.
Similar Species
Dusky Shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) and Great White (Carcharodon carcharias). Dusky teeth are similar but usually more slender; Great White teeth are much larger with coarser serrations.
Beach Finding Tips
Search the 'shell wash' at low tide, particularly after a storm. Look for small, shiny black triangular shapes that catch the light differently than wet shells or pebbles. Myrtle Beach's '40th Ave N' area is a known hotspot.
Notes
Myrtle Beach in SC, this is a shark tooth but can you tell me what shark it is from?