Hemigaleidae
Hemipristis serra
Snaggletooth
MiocenePlioceneuncommon
A collector favorite. Lower teeth are tall and narrow with a smooth blade; upper teeth flare into wickedly serrated leaves. The contrast in the same jaw makes this species unmistakable.
Typical size
0.75–2.25″
Trophy size
2.5″+
Age range
5.3–5.3 Ma
Body length
—
How to ID it in the field
- ▸Upper teeth: leaf-shaped with very coarse, hooked serrations only on the upper half
- ▸Lower teeth: tall, narrow, smooth, slightly curved spike
- ▸Often warm honey or caramel preservation
- ▸Look in classic meg locations — they share the same beds
Quick reference
Shape
serrated leaf
Serrations
coarse
Cusplets
none
Root
asymmetric
Color
Honey, caramel, dark brown
Sample reference images
Use these visual references to compare angle, wear, and silhouette before making a final ID.
