Lamnidae
Carcharodon hastalis
Extinct mako / broad-tooth mako
MiocenePliocenecommon
The likely ancestor of today's great white shark. Its smooth blade — sharp as a scalpel — was perfected for slashing fast prey in Miocene oceans.
Typical size
1–3″
Trophy size
3.5″+
Age range
5.3–5.3 Ma
Body length
—
How to ID it in the field
- ▸Tall, narrow, dagger-like blade with a strong sigmoidal curve
- ▸NO serrations anywhere — feels glassy smooth on the cutting edge
- ▸Often glossy jet black with high enamel polish
- ▸Root is narrow and long with a distinct lingual bulge
Quick reference
Shape
narrow blade
Serrations
none
Cusplets
none
Root
narrow bilobed
Color
Deep glossy black to slate
Sample reference images
Use these visual references to compare angle, wear, and silhouette before making a final ID.
📷 N. Pearson · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
📷 Luca Oddone · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
📷 Luca Oddone · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons