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This fossil specimen is a Mako Shark (Isurus hastalis) tooth, measuring an impressive 69 mm on its longest edge. It dates back to the Pliocene-Miocene epoch, approximately 2.6 to 5.3 million years ago, representing a time when Isurus hastalis was a dominant predator in ancient marine ecosystems. Described by Agassiz in 1837, Isurus hastalis is an extinct species of Mako shark known for its broad, smooth-edged teeth, which were well-adapted for hunting fast-moving prey.
This tooth was collected from the Hawthorn Formation, specifically from the St. Mary’s River in Camden County, Georgia, USA. The HawthornFormation is famous for its rich deposits of marine fossils, particularly shark teeth, and provides a wealth of information about the marine environments of the Miocene and Pliocene periods. During this time, Florida and Georgia\'s coastal regions were part of shallow seas that supported a diverse array of marine life.
The large size and smooth triangular shape of this Isurus hastalis tooth are characteristic of the species, which lacked the serrations found in other predatory sharks. These teeth were designed for grasping and holding onto slippery prey like fish, showcasing the shark’s adaptation to its open-ocean hunting lifestyle.
This fossil is a remarkable example of a prehistoric shark tooth, offering both scientific significance and visual appeal. The size and preservation of the tooth make it a prized addition to any collection, providing a direct link to the ancient seas and the formidable predators that once roamed them. It highlights the evolutionary history of the Mako Shark and the ancient marine environments of North America.
This is an authentic fossil , which has been preparedwith great care, with little or no restoration. It may have been stabilisedwhere necessary and any breaks repaired professionally.
This specimen is providedwith a floating frame, a Certificate of Authenticity and a Geological TimeScale.
