Sand Shark Tooth Fossil
This tooth is a fossil of an extinct shark species, Striatolamia macrota, from the Eocene era approximately 54 million years ago. This shark could grow to a length of about 3.5 meters (11.5 ft) and its teeth were notably big for its size. This species belonged to a family called sand sharks (Odontaspididae) which still exist today.
-Tooth comes in a gem jar.
-These teeth generally range from ½" to ¾" in length.
-Please note that you will receive a tooth similar to the ones pictured.
-Specimens were ethically sourced.
SAND SHARK
Sand sharks, also known as sand tiger sharks, grey nurse sharks or ragged tooth sharks, are mackerel sharks of the family Odontaspididae. They are found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters. The three species are in two genera, as well as many extinct species in several genera
The body tends to be brown with dark markings in the upper half. These markings disappear as they mature. Their needle-like teeth are highly adapted for impaling fish, their main prey. Their teeth are long, narrow, and very sharp with smooth edges, with one and on occasion two smaller cusplets on either side. Sand sharks have a large second dorsal fin. The sand shark can grow up to 3.2 m (10 ft) long, and most adults can weigh around 200 kg (440 lb). The average lifespan of both sexes is only about 7 years, though they may live longer in captivity.
The name sand shark comes from their tendency to migrate towards shoreline habitats, and they are often seen swimming around the ocean floor in the surf zone; at times, they come very close to shore. They are often found in warm or temperate waters throughout the world's oceans, except the eastern Pacific. They also frequent the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas at depths from 20 to 200 m (66 to 656 ft) and sometimes more.