Fascinating World of Razor Sharp Mako Shark Teeth

The Fascinating World of Mako Shark Teeth

Mako sharks, also known as mako sharks, are large, fast, and powerful sharks that roam temperate and tropical oceans around the world. They are known for their iconic sharp teeth that play an important role in their hunting and survival.

Mako Shark Anatomy and Feeding

Mako sharks have a pointed snout, large black eyes, and a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body that allows them to swim at incredible speeds. Their most distinguishing feature is undoubtedly their teeth.

Mako shark teeth are tall, pointed, and razor sharp - perfectly adapted to grab, hold, and tear through fast-moving prey like tuna, swordfish, and even other sharks. Their teeth are also uniquely shaped with slender bases that allow replacement teeth to rotate into position and replace lost teeth.

Mako Shark Tooth Composition

A mako shark tooth contains an outer layer of enamel over a thicker inner layer of dentine. The enamel is thin but extremely dense and durable, while the dentine layer gives the tooth structure and flexibility.

The composition and shape of mako shark teeth make them incredibly strong. Their durability and resistance to breaking are key to maintaining the teeth through repeated biting and tearing of slippery, fast prey.

Megalodon Shark Teeth vs Mako Shark Teeth

While mako shark teeth can reach nearly two inches in slant height, they are dwarfed by the massive teeth of the megalodon shark. Megalodon sharks lived over 2 million years ago and were 2-3 times longer than modern great white sharks.

A megalodon tooth can measure over 7 inches in slant height - absolutely enormous compared to mako teeth! However, both sharks possessed tall, thick, pointed teeth specialized for penetrating and tearing robust prey like marine mammals and giant prehistoric fish.

Finding and Collecting Mako Shark Teeth

Mako shark teeth can occasionally be found washed up on beaches, but the best places to find mako teeth are offshore fossil sites, where teeth accumulate on the ocean floor over time. Fossil collectors scour these underwater sites hoping to uncover the next great mako tooth.

High quality mako teeth are in high demand among collectors. Large, intact mako shark teeth with minimal damage are the most prized. Serious collectors may be willing to pay over $100 USD for museum-quality mako teeth over 2 inches long!

Legality of Collecting Shark Teeth

While collecting mako shark teeth is legal with proper permits in most countries, the commercial trade of mako shark products is regulated by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Mako sharks are listed under CITES Appendix II as their populations are threatened by overfishing.

Certain states in the US also have laws prohibiting the removal of shark teeth or fossils from beaches and coastal waters. As a general rule, be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations before collecting shark teeth wherever you are.

Cultural Significance of Shark Teeth

Beyond their scientific value, shark teeth also have artistic, cultural, and symbolic significance in many cultures across the world.

Art and Jewelry

Mako shark teeth are commonly used in jewelry, sculptures, and other artwork due to their aesthetic beauty and symbolism of strength and perseverance. In jewelry, they may be worn as pendants, beads, or incorporated into other more elaborate designs.

Legend and Lore

Shark teeth appear frequently in legends and folklore around the world. In Hawaiian culture, manaia carvings depicting shark-like creatures indicate power and prestige. Polynesian warriors believed that sharks protected them in battle. Shark teeth amulets were even believed to offer magical protections and healing powers in certain Southeast Asian cultural traditions.

Even today, many ocean swimmers and surfers consider a found shark tooth to be a symbol of luck and a sign of protection from shark encounters!

Conservation of Mako Sharks

Worldwide demand for shark teeth combined with threats from overfishing and habitat loss have led to declining populations of sharks, including vulnerable species like mako sharks.

While commercial trade of teeth may be regulated, collecting shark teeth recreationally has little conservation impact. However, we must be aware that our fascination with sharks stems from their integral place as apex ocean predators - a balance that is essential to maintain.

Sustainable and responsible fishing practices combined with expanded ocean preserves can help ensure mako sharks and other species continue thriving for generations to come.

FAQs

How big are mako shark teeth compared to other sharks?

Mako shark teeth can reach almost 2 inches long, which is quite large compared to most other sharks. However, they are small compared to the massive teeth of extinct mega-predators like megalodon, which could be over 7 inches long!

Where is the best place to find mako shark teeth?

The best mako shark tooth hunting grounds are offshore fossil sites where teeth accumulate on the seafloor over time. Fossil collectors search these underwater sites hoping to uncover rare, high-quality mako teeth.

What makes mako shark teeth so valuable?

Mako teeth are highly coveted due to their beauty and rarity. Large, intact teeth with minimal damage are most prized by serious collectors. A 2-inch+ mako tooth could be worth over $100!

Is collecting shark teeth bad for the environment?

Recreational collecting has little conservation impact. However, declining shark populations due to overfishing mean we should collect teeth responsibly and promote sustainability to protect sharks and ocean ecosystems.