Across Slovenia and also Europe, tooth remains from extinct species of sharks are found fairly commonly. Among the largest ever found in Slovenia are the teeth of the broad-tooth mako (Carcharodon hastalis), which were dug up from the Miocene layers in Zasavje and Dolenjsko. In 1843, the Swiss-American paleontologist Louis Agassiz was the first to describe the teeth of this species. Their shape resembles the tip of a spear, which gave this shark its Latin name (hasta). Paleontologists believe that the species is one of the probable ancestors of the present-day great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

On display from April 7 until the end of the year.

Author: M.Sc. Matija Križnar
Photos: David Kunc

A large tooth of the broad-tooth mako shark (Carcharodon hastalis) from the Miocene epoch, found in the vicinity of Šentjernej. Photo: Matija Križnar
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