Whale Shark Tooth? Anyone Think So ?

[fossiljunkie]

i found this tooth in south carolina in may and i'm wanting to positively identify it if possible. the tooth measures a total length of 1/4". half of that measurement is the huge bulbous root.so the crown itself is only 1/8". it definitely was a pain to photograph because of the size and having to get so close you could read my fingerprints. but with a lot of light and a lot of tries i got some clear photos. it appears to be a whale shark tooth to me going by the root, the size of the tooth and the shape of the tooth in reference to a few photos i have found in books and on line. i understand the tooth as having a nutrient groove but there is not one visible that i can see but it may have had enough wear to obscure it. i know it's a fairly rare find and it is the only one of it's kind that i personally have found here in south carolina. i was hoping other forum members may have found one or are familiar enough with the species to give an opinion if it is or isn't. i have included both labial and lingual views along with a side view. just wanted to be able to catalog the tooth and get it out of the category of- is it, isn't it, could be, might be stage of recognition. i hate having that pile of unidentifiable teeth. any thoughts anyone? much thanks for any opinions.

[bmorefossil]

doesnt look like it. in the second picture is that serrations or is that from the camera?

Edited August 15, 2010 by bmorefossil

[PaleoRon]

Looks like a pathologic or parasymphyseal tooth. It doesn't seem to have the correct features of a Rhincodon and if those are serrations in the second pic then it might be a Carcharocles or Galeocerdo.

[fossiljunkie]

sure does look like it nice find. in the second picture is that serrations or is that from the camera?

bmore,

it is on the tooth but doesn't quite look like serrations unless there are only 2. not sure

Edited August 15, 2010 by fossiljunkie

[fossiljunkie]

Looks like a pathologic or parasymphyseal tooth. It doesn't seem to have the correct features of a Rhincodon and if those are serrations in the second pic then it might be a Carcharocles or Galeocerdo.

in the second photo is appears that there is something that looks like it may be serrations but there is only 2 visible if it is. very hard to see and very tiny.

[bear-dog]

Dosen't look like any whale shark tooth I own or have seen.Check out the other options listed above.

[fossiljunkie]

Dosen't look like any whale shark tooth I own or have seen.Check out the other options listed above.

thanks bear dog. i'm thinking paleoron has it narrowed down. to be a possible patho or otherwise. glad i can rule one possibility out.although it was wishful thinking on my part.thanks again

[siteseer]

Yeah, I wonder if that is a Notorynchus upper parasymphyseal with some root wear.

Looks like a pathologic or parasymphyseal tooth. It doesn't seem to have the correct features of a Rhincodon and if those are serrations in the second pic then it might be a Carcharocles or Galeocerdo.

[sixgill pete]

Does not appear to be Rhincodon to me. I agree it may be a pathologic or parasymphyseal. But a cool little tooth no matter what it is.