Fossil Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Carcharias / Striatolamia, Species: taurus / macrota · Odontaspididae (Sand Tiger Shark family) · Vertebrate Fossil (Dental); Tooth. This is not a mollusk shell but a fossilized tooth with a narrow, needle-like cusp.
Species
Carcharias taurus (Extant species) / Striatolamia macrota (Fossil) - High Confidence
Shell Type
Vertebrate Fossil (Dental); Tooth. This is not a mollusk shell but a fossilized tooth with a narrow, needle-like cusp.
Family
Odontaspididae (Sand Tiger Shark family)
Size
Approximately 0.75 to 1 inch (20-25mm) in length. This is a very common size for juvenile or lateral teeth within this family.
Color & Pattern
Uniform charcoal black to deep gray. This coloration is a result of permineralization, where minerals like phosphate or iron in the sediment have replaced the original tooth material over millions of years.
Rarity
Common. These are among the most frequently found shark tooth fossils on beaches due to the shark's high tooth turnover rate and durable enamel.
Habitat
Found in marine fossil deposits. The living descendants inhabit warm-temperate and tropical neritic waters, often near the sandy bottom or rocky reefs.
Geographic Range
Globally distributed in fossil beds. Commonly found on the eastern coast of the United States (Florida to New Jersey), Morocco, and Europe.
Description
A slender, elongated fossil tooth featuring a sharp, pointed central cusp and a prominent 'V-shaped' root. The surface is smooth and glossy due to the preservation of the enamelloid layer.
Key Features
Narrow, needle-like central cusp; deep 'V' or 'U' shaped root bifurcated into two lobes; lacks significant serrations; often possesses small side cusplets (though worn on this specimen).
Collector Value
Minimal monetary value (typically $1-$5) but high educational and personal value. They are prized by beginners for their distinct 'look' and ease of finding.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The main cusp is intact and sharp. The root lobes show slight erosion, and the lateral cusplets are largely worn down or missing. Collectibility: Fine.
Interesting Facts
Sand tiger sharks are 'polyphyodonts,' meaning they lose and replace thousands of teeth in a lifetime. They are also known for intrauterine cannibalism, where the strongest embryo eats its siblings in the womb.
Ecological Role
Predatory. As a fossil, it represents a historical apex predator that kept fish and cephalopod populations in check within ancient marine ecosystems.
Similar Species
Lemon Shark (Negaprion) which has a wider base and less curved root, or Mako Shark (Isurus) which lacks the distinct thinness and often has a stouter root.
Beach Finding Tips
Look for dark, triangular shapes in the 'wash' line at low tide. Sifting through shell hash and gravel pockets on beaches known for fossil deposits (like Venice Beach, FL) is most effective.