Fossilized Shark Tooth Identification Chart | Species Guide
🦈 Your Complete Guide to Fossil Shark Teeth
From tiny reef sharks to massive megalodons, learn to identify the most common fossilized shark teeth found on beaches and in collections. Each species tells a unique story from our planet's ancient oceans.
Complete visual comparison of the 5 most common fossilized shark teeth
🔍 How to Use This Guide
Look at your tooth's shape, size, serrations, and color. Compare these features with our identification chart above and detailed descriptions below. Remember that fossilized teeth can vary in color based on the minerals in the sediment where they were preserved. Learn more about the geological timeline behind these ancient predators.
Key identifying features: serrations, shapes, and anatomical details
🦈 Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon)
The Ultimate Prize - 23 to 3.6 million years ago
Massive Megalodon tooth showing characteristic triangular shape and fine serrations
📏 Size
2-7+ inches
Largest can exceed 7 inches
Most common: 3-5 inches
🔺 Shape
Triangular
Broad base
Symmetrical design
Thick and robust
⚔️ Serrations
Fine, sharp
Evenly spaced
Visible along edges
Like tiny saw teeth
🎨 Color
Dark gray to black
Sometimes blue-gray
Glossy appearance
Occasionally brown
💡 ID Tip: Megalodon teeth are unmistakable due to their massive size and perfect triangular shape. If it's over 4 inches and triangular, it's likely a Megalodon!
🐅 Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
The Curved Hunter - 56 million years ago to present
Tiger shark tooth showing distinctive curved, hook-like shape
📏 Size
0.5-1.5 inches
Usually under 1 inch
Compact and sturdy
🪝 Shape
Curved/hooked
Distinctive curve
Asymmetrical
Pointed tip
⚔️ Serrations
Coarse, irregular
Larger than Megalodon
More pronounced
Jagged appearance
🎨 Color
Gray to brown
Sometimes black
Often lighter than Megalodon
Matte finish
💡 ID Tip: The distinctive curved shape makes Tiger shark teeth easy to identify. They look like tiny hooks!
Size comparison of Bull shark, Lemon shark, and Sand Tiger shark teeth
🐂 Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
The Broad-Based Predator - 16 million years ago to present
📏 Size
0.5-1 inch
Typically 0.75 inches
Stocky build
🔺 Shape
Triangular
Broad base
Wide root
Shorter than Megalodon
⚔️ Serrations
Fine to medium
Well-defined
Regular spacing
Sharp edges
🎨 Color
Gray to dark gray
Sometimes brown
Uniform coloring
Smooth surface
💡 ID Tip: Bull shark teeth look like mini Megalodons but are much smaller and have proportionally wider bases.
🍋 Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
The Narrow Hunter - 34 million years ago to present
📏 Size
0.25-0.75 inches
Usually small
Delicate appearance
🔺 Shape
Narrow triangular
Slender profile
Pointed tip
Thin base
⚔️ Serrations
Fine or absent
Barely visible
Smooth edges
Sometimes none
🎨 Color
Light gray to tan
Sometimes yellowish
Lighter than most
Translucent quality
💡 ID Tip: Lemon shark teeth are typically the smallest and most delicate-looking, with very fine or no serrations.
🏖️ Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
The Needle-Sharp Predator - 100 million years ago to present
📏 Size
0.5-1.25 inches
Medium sized
Elongated form
📍 Shape
Narrow, pointed
Needle-like
Very sharp tip
Slender profile
⚔️ Serrations
None or minimal
Smooth edges
Cutting design
Sharp but smooth
🎨 Color
Tan to brown
Sometimes gray
Often lighter
Sandy appearance
💡 ID Tip: Sand Tiger teeth are distinctive for their needle-like shape and lack of serrations - built for grasping rather than cutting.
🔍 Quick Identification Tips
Size Matters
Over 2 inches = likely Megalodon
Under 1 inch = modern species
Tiny (under 0.5") = juvenile or small species
Shape Clues
Triangular = Megalodon or Bull
Curved/hooked = Tiger
Needle-like = Sand Tiger
Narrow triangle = Lemon
Serration Check
Fine, even = Megalodon
Coarse, jagged = Tiger
Smooth/none = Sand Tiger or Lemon
Medium = Bull Shark
Color Hints
Black/dark gray = often Megalodon
Brown/tan = various species
Light colors = usually smaller sharks
Color varies by location!
🌱 Ethical Collecting Reminder
When collecting shark teeth, always follow ethical practices:
- Respect local regulations and private property
- Take only what you need and leave some for others
- Don't disturb nesting areas or sensitive ecosystems
- Share your knowledge with fellow collectors
🌟 Transform Your Discoveries
Found an amazing shark tooth? Consider having it transformed into a beautiful piece of custom fossil jewelry to preserve your discovery forever!
From simple pendants to elaborate display pieces, we can help you showcase your fossil finds in style.
🦕 Continue Your Fossil Journey
Ready to learn more about the ancient world of fossils? Explore our other educational resources and fossil collections.