Otodus Megalodon:Megatooth Fossils Found at the Calvert Cliffs of Maryland
Otodus megalodons are among the most sought after teeth in the Calvert cliffs and other nearby
Miocene exposures. However, before you go looking for a huge megalodon from the cliffs, you
should be warned most of the meg teeth are in the 1 - 3" class in these Miocene exposures. Although
larger ones are often found, you have a better chance at finding the large ones in the
younger Pliocene exposures further south in the Atlantic coastal plain.
Differentiating between O. megalodon and O. subauriculatus:
Both the O. subauriculatus and O. megalodon species are found in the Calvert, Choptank, and St. Marys formations. The easiest way to distinguish these two species from one another are the cusps. C. megalodon have no cusps, while C. subauriculatus have small cusps. The only exception is juvenile megalodon teeth may have side cusps, in which case it is impossible to tell them apart.
So, you found a megalodon tooth.. Wouldn't you like to know how big the shark was that the
tooth came from?
Click here for an easy way to find out!
Megalodon Unearthed:
Dr. Jay M. Lipoff , 2026
New Megalodon Book: Expert insight and vivid fossil photography strip away myths to reveal the true science of history's most fearsome shark.
Carcharocles subauriculatus
Identification based on Purdy et al (2001).
This species is thought to have evolved into O. megalodon. The only difference is the tiny cusplets
This species is only found in the early to middle Miocene.
Distinguishing the difference between small megalodons and subauriculatus can be tricky as
juvenile megalodons can sometimes have cusps on their teeth. Therefore, some subauriculatus
identified below could be juvenile megalodons.
The 1st megatooth shark I ever found!
Based on this tooth, the
size of the shark it came from was probably around 21 feet in length.
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This is a chipped O. subauriculatus tooth. It was found on this trip.
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This tooth was sticking halfway out of the sand and looked whole. I was devastated when I lifed it! Based on this tooth, the size of the shark it came from was probably around 40 feet in length.
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This is a labial view of a broken lower lateral tooth.
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This small fossil tooth was dug out of a chunk of fallen Zone 10 in the Calvert Formation.
It
appears to have some feeding damage on the tip.
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Carcharocles megalodon
Identification based on Purdy et al (2001).
Obviously, this is the most famous prehistoric shark. It has the largest teeth,
was twice the size of a Great White, and included whales in its
diet!
They lived from the Miocene and became extinct in the Pliocene.
To learn all about the Megalodon shark, go to the Megalodon Facts page.
Lingual and labial view of a nice looking lateral megalodon shark tooth.
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Lingual and labial view of a nice looking lateral megalodon shark tooth.
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The left tooth was found by snorkeling
, The right one is a small but almost
perfect anterior, except for the feeding damage on the tip.
This was pulled out of a chunk of fallen zone 10 of the Calvert formation.
Based on these teeth, the size of the sharks these teeth came from were probably around 15 feet in length.
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These are three small lateral megs. The left one is a labial view of a
marble looking tooth. The right one is a lingual view and the left two are labial views
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All 3 of these laterals were found on the same stretch of beach
in less than an hour. The person I was collecting with found nothing and now hates me.
The left one is in perfect condition.
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Recommended Books for Fossils and Nature of the Calvert Cliffs
The Geology and Vertebrate Paleontology of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland
Stephen J. Godfrey (Volume editor) - 2018
This comprehensive review of Calvert Cliffs fossils covers sharks, skates, rays, ray-finned fish, crocodiles, and sea cows. The shark section is particularly detailed. Volume two focuses on Miocene turtles and cetaceans. These technical volumes are ideal for paleontologists and avid fossil collectors.
Both volumes are available to download for free on the openSI website. Search ISSN 1943-6688 for the first volume and ISSN 1943-6688 for the second.
Fossil Shark Teeth of the World: A Collectors Guide
by Joe Cocke, 2002
A handy guide for identifying shark teeth, designed for simplicity and portability. Covers teeth from around the world, including all those found at Calvert Cliffs.
Outdoor and Nature Books about the Chesapeake Bay
These are good reads to explore the surrounding Chesapeake Bay area when your are done fossil hunting!
Chesapeake Bay Explorer's Guide
David Malmquist, 2021
This guide is the perfect companion for exploring the estuary, highlighting its beauty, history, 14,415 miles of shoreline, hiking trails, wildlife preserves, and more.
A Year across Maryland: A Week-by-Week Guide to Discovering Nature in the Chesapeake Region
Bryan MacKay, 2013
This is a week-by-week guide to the state's wildlife and plants. From January's nesting bald eagles to December's mistletoe harvest, it offers tips for both spontaneous adventurers and serious planners, illustrated with over seventy species photographs.
Get Your Very Own Megalodon Tooth:
These are Authentic Megalodon teeth sold by Fossil Era , a reputable fossil dealer (that I personally know) who turned his fossil passion into a business. His Megalodon teeth come in all sizes and prices, from small and inexpensive to large muesum quality teeth. Each tooth has a detailed descriptions and images that include its collecting location and formation. If you are looking for a megalodon tooth, browse through these selections!
