THE SHARKS

Longtooth Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo contortus (Gibbes)
aka Physogaleus "contortus"

Age - Miocene  Commonality - Common

There is some controversy as to whether Galeocerdo contortus is a separate species or simply the lower teeth of Galeocerdo aduncus. The teeth of the these two tiger sharks, both found in NJ, are very similar. The crowns of G. contortus are slender, with a twist to them and have fine serrations which extend almost to the tip. The serrations on the top of the distal side of the crown are medium in coarseness. The root posses a wide shallow nutrient which is very prone to stream wear and a mild lingual protuberance. These teeth average between 3/4 to 1 inch in length and are easily confused with with the other common tiger from NJ Galeocerdo aduncus.

See the tiger shark comparison page   

The contortion or twist in the crown is where Galeocerdo contortus
gets it's name.

Monmouth County, NJ.
 

Galeocerdo contortus lingual view.
The wide shallow nutrient is faint, due to stream wear or poor fossilization
of the root may not be visible on all teeth. 
 

Top - Anterior
Left - Lateral   /  Right - Posterior

The root of Galeocerdo contortus has a mild lingual protuberance.
Fine serrations extend almost to the tip of the crown.
 

Close up - labial view.
 

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