Description
This tooth belonged to a Carcharocles megalodon which was the apex predator of its time and is considered to be the largest carnivorous sea predator to have ever existed. The oldest remains of this species are about 18 million years old. It became extinct in the Pleistocene period about 1.5 million years ago. Carcharocles megalodon may have reached 60 ft in length, it had a mouth full of razor sharp serrated teeth that reached 7.5" in length. Megalodon had 276 teeth in 5 rows and like today's sharks they shed their teeth throughout their lifetime. It is estimated that an average megalodon shark would have shed in excess of 20,000 teeth over the course of its lifetime.
This megalodon tooth most likely belonged to a juvenile Megalodon, which makes it exceptionally rare. This specimen is in great condition with no repair or restoration.
Dimensions: 2.5" L x 2" W
Provenance: Wilmington, NC Coast, USA
Age: Miocene-pliocene period: 23-1.8 MYA
Type: Actual specimen - one only
