Name That Shark By Its Teeth

The teeth on the upper jaw of this shark are triangular and pointed, while the teeth on the lower jaw are more rectangular. The edges of each tooth are sharp and serrated to aid when cutting through flesh and bone. Front teeth are replaced with rows of teeth from the back when they dull down over time. This shark has non-functional teeth at the back of its mouth, which are smaller and flatter. The non-functional teeth hold the prey in place, while the functional teeth (at the front) do the cutting and tearing.

HINT: They are usually found in tropical/subtropical shallow waters. Being opportunistic feeders, they are known to feed on fish, stingrays, sea turtles, other sharks, a variety of marine mammals, and birds.

Teeth of this shark are described as moderately long and curved at the front of the jaw. Anterior teeth increase in size, which is useful for their hunting technique. The immense speed of this shark means they can catch prey at a high velocity. Once they grasp their prey with their large, awl-shaped teeth, they tend to swallow their prey whole.

HINT: This shark is a highly migratory species, found predominantly in open, temperate waters. Their diet usually consists of mackerel, bluefish, swordfish, tuna, and even other breeds of shark. 

Unlike other species, the teeth of this shark are not designed to pierce and tear through the flesh of its prey. This shark’s mouth possesses rows of tiny, serrated teeth, designed to crush hard-shelled crustaceans. Their strong upper and lower jaws have the same function, cusp size and tooth shape.

HINT: This species of shark can be found in warm coastal waters around central America, and feed on crustaceans, shellfish, snails, and clams.

The span of this sharks’ mouth can spread up to five feet wide and is used as a suction device. Due to diet and lack of predatory instinct, its mouth is located at the front of its head, not underneath like other sharks. Their mouths have filter pads, which capture food passing through whilst they swallow water. Though not visible, this shark has thousands of tiny ‘teeth’. However due to evolving as filter feeders, there is no use for them.

HINT: You can find this breed of shark all over the globe, in Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. They feed primarily on shrimp, fish eggs, krill, jellies, and small fish. 

There is no differentiation between the upper and lower dentistry of this shark. Smooth-edged teeth are designed to protect against abrasion during food consumption. This shark is an opportunistic feeder, and sometimes will skip the chewing part, and swallow its prey whole!

HINT: They live in cold water on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as in the South Atlantic and South Pacific Ocean. This sharks’ diet mainly includes small fish, small sharks, and squid.

These sharks’ teeth are described as small and narrow, with no serrations. A feature of their dentistry is that they bend slightly inward. The jaw has dual joints, which resist lateral movement. This helps hold position, despite rigorous head movement whilst feeding.

HINT: You’ll most commonly find these sharks in Western and Eastern North Atlantic shores, as well as Eastern Pacific. They feed primarily on bony fishes, rays, smaller sharks, crustaceans, molluscs, and sea birds. 

Rows of big triangular-shaped teeth are used to pierce through their thick-skinned, large prey. Throughout the course of its life, this breed of shark can lose, and replace, up to 20,000 teeth. The scope of their jaw allows them to consume around 30 pounds of flesh in one bite!

HINT: Typically found in temperate coastal waters. Adults will consume sea lions, seals, dolphins, turtles, and smaller whales.

This breed of shark has several rows of triangular, sharp, serrated teeth. When the front row has worn down or fallen out, they grow in new ones from the back, ensuring they always have razor-sharp teeth at the ready.

HINT: They often favor the habitat of continental and coral reefs. However, they are solo migrants, so will travel hundreds of miles in warm waters alone. They feed on a variety of marine life such as fishes, other smaller sharks, squid, stingrays, and invertebrates. Goes without saying… They are not fussy eaters! 

The slender, needle-like structure of these sharks’ teeth are used to catch slippery prey. Its jaw is protrusible, meaning it can extend outwards. This is thought to be an adaptation to the deep-sea environment which it inhabits, aiding the capture of prey at high velocity.

HINT: This shark lives in deep pelagic waters within the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and feeds primarily on crustaceans and cephalopods.

The dentition of these sharks’ teeth serves a clear purpose to their feeding approach. The upper jaw is lined with sharp teeth, which allow the shark to hold its prey into position. Meanwhile, the curvature of the teeth on the lower jaw work as a serrated edge. In order to break into its prey, the shark will move its head in circular motions.

HINT: This shark usually inhabits the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic. Its prey consists of different types of fish including smaller sharks, crustaceans and sometimes mammals.