THE SHARKS

Extinct Sand Tiger
Striatolamia macrota (Agassiz)

Age - Eocene  Occurrence - Less Common

Striatolamia macrota is one of the few species from  NJ to posse striations on the lingual side of the tooth. These teeth range in size from 1/2 inch to 2 inches plus, with the average being a little over an inch. The anterior teeth have a moderately narrow elongated crown with one small (sometimes even completely lacking), cusplet on each shoulder. The moderately strong striations tend to weaken the larger the tooth gets. There is a pronounced lingual protuberance and obvious nutrient grove on the root. The lateral teeth are broader, the striations are weaker or lacking entirely and the cusplets reduced, often appearing as no more than a scalloped nub. Although not that uncommon, these teeth, especially the anteriors, seem very prone to root damage. I've found numerous blades, but only a few complete speciments.

Striation comparison page

Lingual view of anterior tooth and striations.
1 1/4 inch
Monmouth County, NJ.
 

Striatolamia sp. from Kazakhstan in pristine condition
1 1/4 inch.
 

Profile view, with no stream wear the striations show clearly.
Kazakhstan
 

The striations on the lateral teeth are reduced, but present on most teeth.
Note the scalloped cusplets.
 

Some very nice lateral Striatolamia macrota.
When view on profile the lateral teeth are very compressed.

Average tooth size is a about one inch.
 

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