XLG C. hastalis Ancestral Great White Lee Creek

XLG primary lower tooth.

C. hastalis from Aurora, NC

No repair or restoration.

Carcharodon hastalis, often referred to as the Broad-toothed Mako, was a large prehistoric shark that lived during the Miocene to Pliocene epochs, approximately 23 to 2.6 million years ago. Its fossils, especially its distinct broad, triangular teeth, are frequently discovered in the phosphate mines of Aurora, North Carolina. These teeth are characterized by their smooth edges and lack of serrations, differentiating them from other prehistoric sharks.

Carcharodon hastalis reached lengths of about 30 feet and was a dominant predator in its marine habitat. Its diet likely consisted of marine mammals and fish, which it captured using its specially adapted teeth designed for grasping and slicing. As a top predator, Carcharodon hastalis played a crucial role in its ecosystem. The species eventually became extinct, potentially due to changes in climate and prey availability. The fossils found in Aurora are vital for understanding this prehistoric shark and the marine ecosystems of that time period.

Carcharodon hastalis

Pliocene

Aurora, NC

Yorktown

2.54”