Fossil Shark Tooth Identification Guide

Shark teeth are fascinating relics that offer a glimpse into the prehistoric world, and the image from SHRKco provides an excellent visual guide for identifying various species based on their unique tooth structures. Whether you're a collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply curious about marine life, understanding these teeth can enhance your appreciation. Below, we explore the different shark species featured and the characteristics of their fossilized teeth.

Megalodon and Related Species

• Megalodon (Otodus megalodon): Known for its massive, triangular teeth with serrated edges, Megalodon teeth are iconic. The posterior teeth are smaller but retain the same robust shape.

• Chubutensis (Otodus chubutensis): These teeth are broader and more robust, with a similar serrated edge, indicating a powerful biting force.

• Angustidens (Otodus angustidens): Slightly narrower than Megalodon, these teeth still feature sharp, serrated edges suited for tearing prey.

• Auriculatus (Otodus auriculatus): Recognizable by their curved, serrated design, these teeth suggest a versatile predator.

• Benedinii (Parotodus benedinii): These have a more pointed, less serrated structure, hinting at a different feeding strategy.

Modern Shark Species

• Great White (Carcharodon carcharias): Featuring large, triangular teeth with serrated edges, Great White teeth are designed for gripping and cutting. Upper and lower teeth differ slightly in size.

• Hastalis (Carcharodon hastalis): An extinct relative, its teeth are similar to the Great White but often more elongated.

• Longfin Mako (Isurus paucus): These teeth are slender and pointed, ideal for fast, agile hunters.

• Koerti (Carcharias koerti): Known as an extinct sand tiger, these teeth are long and needle-like.

• Sand Tiger (Carcharias taurus): Current species with long, slender, and slightly curved teeth for catching fish.

Other Notable Species

• Tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier): Tiger shark teeth are notched and serrated, perfect for crushing shells and bones.

• Mayumbensis Tiger (Galeocerdo mayumbensis): An extinct variant with similar notched teeth, slightly more pronounced.

• "Long-toothed" Tiger (Physogaleus contortus): As the name suggests, these teeth are elongated with a distinctive curve.

• Nurse (Ginglymostoma cirratum): Small and flat, these teeth are adapted for grinding rather than tearing.

• Snaggletooth (Hemipristis serra): Extinct, with jagged, irregular teeth perfect for a scavenging lifestyle.

• Bull (Carcharhinus leucas): Broad and triangular with serrations, suited for a robust bite.

• Dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus): Similar to the Bull shark but slightly narrower teeth.

• Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran): Wide and serrated, reflecting the shark's unique head shape.

• Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena): Similar to the Great Hammerhead but with smaller teeth.

• Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo): Smaller and more rounded, adapted for a diet including crustaceans.

• Cow (Notorynchus primigenius): Multi-cusped teeth for grinding prey.

• Angel (Squatina squatina): Flat and broad, used for bottom-dwelling predation.

• Giant Thresher (Alopias grandis): Long and pointed, suited for their whip-like tail hunting technique.

• Bigeye Thresher (Alopias superciliosus): Similar to the Giant Thresher but slightly smaller.

• Lemon (Negaprion brevirostris): Narrow and pointed, ideal for their preference for bony fish.

The diversity in shark tooth shapes reflects their varied diets and hunting strategies, from the massive Megalodon to the delicate Nurse shark. For more information or to explore shark tooth jewelry and apparel, visit SHRKco.com. Whether you're identifying a find or starting a collection, this guide is a valuable resource for enthusiasts.