Sand Tiger Shark Tooth
Carcharias cf. taurus • Body fossil, Vertebrate (Chondrichthyes)
Geological Period
Neogene (Miocene to Pliocene)
Estimated Age
2.5 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (specifically phosphatic replacement), giving it a dark, lustrous black-to-brown appearance typical of Venice Beach fossils.
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the enameloid crown is well-preserved with a high gloss, but the root structure is significantly eroded or broken, which is common for surf-tossed finds.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Chondrichthyes, Order: Lamniformes, Family: Odontaspididae, Genus: Carcharias
Morphological Description
Elongated, slender cusp with a sharp, pointed apex. The crown is smooth and labio-lingually compressed. While the root is largely missing/damaged in this specimen, the shape is characteristic of an anterior or lateral gripping tooth.
Rock Matrix
None attached; specimen is beach-worn. Likely originated from the Bone Valley Formation or Peace River Formation (interbedded phosphates and sands).
Formation & Location
Peace River Formation; found at Venice Beach (Sarasota County), Florida, USA.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches in length; a small to medium-sized specimen for this genus.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1.00 - $5.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $10.00 USD (typically sold in bulk lots at auction)
Rarity Assessment
Common; Venice Beach is known as the 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World' and these are among the most frequent finds.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of Neogene marine paleoenvironments in the Gulf of Mexico; demonstrates the continuity of the Odontaspididae lineage in Florida's coastal waters.
Preparation Recommendations
Minimal; rinse with fresh water to remove salt crystals. Store in a dry environment. No consolidation required due to high mineralization.
Notable Features
Deep black mineralization indicative of the phosphate-rich sediment of the Florida Gulf Coast; distinct slender profile used for snatching small fish.
Notes
Sarasota Fl Vince Beach