THE SHARKS

Sand Tiger
Carcharias holmdelensis (Cappetta and Case)

Age - Cretaceous  Commonality - Uncommon

 Named after the town of Holmdel, NJ this is the only Cretaceous sand tiger from NJ to have striations. These teeth are small, reaching a maximum size of a little over 1/2 inch. The striations are relatively strong, usually covering the top 2/3's of the lingual side of the crown.  Anterior teeth have a large slender cusplet on each shoulder. The lateral teeth usually posse a smaller pair of  secondary cusplets with less pronounced striations and a wider root arch. Like all the Carcharias species C. holmdelensis has a strong lingual protuberance and obvious nutrient grove on the root. These teeth are uncommon and due to their small size and delicate nature, finding a complete tooth presents somewhat of a challenge.  The anterior teeth of C. holmdelensis and juvenile goblin (Scapanorhynchus texanus) teeth are very similar.

 Goblin, sand tiger comparison page
Striation comparison page   
 

Lingual and labial view of the same anterior tooth.
The crown is dagger like with striations.

Monmouth County, NJ

Profile - Anterior teeth have a strong lingual protuberance and
deep nutrient groove.
 

Striations on the anterior teeth are relatively strong.
 

Lateral C. Holmdelensis with secondary cusplets.
The striations on the lateral teeth, although not as pronounced
as the anteriors are normally very visible.
 

Scan gives a perspective of average tooth tooth size.
 

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