BajaNomad

Fossil sharks teeth in Baja?

Sharksbaja - 2-27-2005 at 08:21 PM

I collect and sell fossil sharks teeth and was wondering if anyone has found the same in Baja, and where and what you found.
Thanx, Sharksbaja

shark tooth

gringorio - 2-28-2005 at 04:04 PM

I found this one well above the beach on the desert floor in Campo Archelon, Bahia de los Angeles. I don't know enough to know if it is truly fossilized, but it sure seems that way to me. We searched and searched for more but did not find any others...

p.s. Is there a way to tell what species of shark this tooth came from?

[Edited on 2-28-2005 by gringorio]

Good one

Sharksbaja - 2-28-2005 at 04:20 PM

Appears to be a Bull Shark which roamed the n. hemisphere 35 million yrs ago. I will examine closer. Thanx

gringorio - 3-1-2005 at 06:55 AM

Cool! Thanks for the information. Ever since I found this one I keep looking for more on each trip back to Bahia. How many different species of fossilized sharks teeth can you find in Baja?

sharks teeth

mulege marv - 3-1-2005 at 07:15 AM

i have one but it is black in color. will have to take a pic of it and post it.

I am occasionally visited by

Tucker - 3-1-2005 at 07:37 AM

an old man from El Cien. He works the fossil beds there. He uses sharks teeth as an incentive to peddle his more expensive fossils. Of course I never buy anything from him!

Bruce R Leech - 3-1-2005 at 07:52 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gringorio
I found this one well above the beach on the desert floor in Campo Archelon, Bahia de los Angeles. I don't know enough to know if it is truly fossilized, but it sure seems that way to me. We searched and searched for more but did not find any others...

p.s. Is there a way to tell what species of shark this tooth came from?

[Edited on 2-28-2005 by gringorio]


that tooth dosent look lick it is fossilized to me . what do you think Sharks?

Fossilized?

Sharksbaja - 3-1-2005 at 12:48 PM

It certainly looks fossilizied. It looks more like a extinct Mako than a Bull Shark The upper margin in black paricularily. Usually the teeth are stained by the minerals in which they lay. This usually results in black which is from sediments of detritus (vegetative debris) and white which comes from basalts or diatomatious earth(diatoms/plankton) I have teeth of many colors although the majority are mainly black. The color(s) can indicate where they were found. i.e. near Bakersfield all the teeth are white and of a particular species. The medium in which they lay for millions of years actually migrates into the bone as it becomes a rock. It can be very hard as they are from the riverbeds of N. Carolina or brittle and fragile as those from Bakersfield. Most thje teeth I collect are those of Megalodon Carcharocles, they were the largest of all sharks measuing in length of up to 90 feet. They preyed on whales. Teeth found are as large as 7 inches long and fetch $1000 or more.






Sharks teeth, unless fossilized will break down as would a bone, especially in the harsh desert sun. Since sharks are cartilaginous and have no bones they legacy is usually written with their teeth , which are calcium rich.

Bruce R Leech - 3-1-2005 at 01:33 PM

vary interesting thanks SharksBaja

Taco de Baja - 3-1-2005 at 09:34 PM

I have seen some small ones on the pacific side, and more batray/stingray tooth plates. (secret place)
I have also seen a few that the Indians notched and probably used as arrow/spear points. (also a secret)

Gringorio's definately looks like a fossil Mako (Isurus sp.)

I work as a paleontologist and occasionaly get paid to collect teeth. Cant keep them, but it's sure fun to find them! I love my job!

[Edited on 3-2-2005 by Taco de Baja]

Fossil sharks teeth

Cardon Man - 3-2-2005 at 08:53 AM

An old man at the El Cien gas station between Constitucion and La Paz has offered to sell me fossil sharks teeth a couple of times in years past. Mostly smaller teeth. A Mexican buddy of mine in the 'Cape area finds some really impressive ones. Very large and in great condition. Megalodon perhaps? I've been trying to talk my way onto one of his fossil hunting trips but as you might expect he's pretty secretive about the spots.

shark teef

Sharksbaja - 3-2-2005 at 12:21 PM

This is good info. I don't remember hearing much ado about the fossils in Baja. The geology being so much different than the other side of the Cortez one would not know what to expect. The majority of Megalodon teeth come from the US although thaey have been found worldwide. The best areas being in the shallows in which the roamed, died and were partially preserved. There are probably many, many more in that area. Find out more. Its like those chantrelle mushroom beds. Keep your eyes open. Ask around.

Taco de Baja - 3-2-2005 at 02:07 PM

There are some Megs from the area between TJ and Rosarito....Also, Dino bones, Ammonites, and wood (mainly palm) around the El Rosario area. And of course there are tons of fossil shell in the cliff forming formation adjacent to the highway as you head into El Rosario. Possibly sharks too, but I have not looked too hard there.

A word of warning, don't attempt to take what you find back to the US though, if caught you may go to jail and be fined as the govenrment considers them "cultural treasures".

Cultural Treasures

Sharksbaja - 3-2-2005 at 02:27 PM

I was wondering about that. Aside from whale bones and turtle shells what other items(not native artifacts) are restricted and not allowed to leave the country? Anyone know?

Cultural Treasures

Sharksbaja - 3-2-2005 at 02:30 PM

and what about that guy who sells teeth in El Cien. If u buy from him, what is needed in order to get it in the US legal like. A receipt?

Taco de Baja - 3-2-2005 at 03:17 PM

Cultural treasure are minerals, rocks, fossils, indian artifacts, possiblt even sea shells). None can be taken out, even with a receipt (exception being all the sand/dust/mud that sticks to our vehicles :)).
If you want to take something like a plant or seeds out you will need a permit, and also declare them at the border.

As a side note, selling artifacts and fossils within the US is technically illegal too but not enforced.
try searching for arrow head or shark tooth on ebay....1,000 of hits.

Sharksbaja - 3-2-2005 at 03:21 PM

ebays great but u can't hold it in your hand and look at it.....

you can't bring into the USA

Anonymous - 3-2-2005 at 10:03 PM

Black Coral........

Mexitron - 3-3-2005 at 08:13 AM

"a few seashells" and a "few rocks" were what I remember as being allowed by the US Immigration......but definitely not fossils or artifacts.