Sharks, the apex predators of the ocean, hold many mysteries and extraordinary abilities that may not be widely known. One of the most astonishing shark facts is their ability to replace lost or damaged teeth in a very short time, even less than 24 hours. This shark fact is certainly very beneficial for their survival as reliable hunters.
According to research from a team of marine biologists at the National Oceanographic Research Center published in early May 2025, the speed of tooth regeneration in several shark species, such as hammerhead sharks and reef sharks, is indeed amazing. Dr. Indra Wijaya, M.Si., head of the research team, explained in an online seminar on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, that shark jaws do not have tooth roots like mammals. Shark teeth are arranged in several rows and continuously move forward like a conveyor belt. When one tooth falls out, the tooth behind it will immediately fill the empty space. “This tooth replacement process can happen very quickly, even within hours under certain conditions. This is one of the extraordinary shark facts,” he revealed.
Furthermore, Dr. Indra Wijaya added that the speed of tooth replacement in sharks is influenced by several factors, including the shark species, age, and diet. Sharks that prey on animals with hard shells or strong bones tend to lose teeth more often and require faster regeneration. The number of teeth a shark can have throughout its life is also fantastic, reaching tens of thousands. This shark fact shows how important teeth are for their survival as predators.
The Head of the Water Police Unit (Satpolair) of the Surabaya Maritime Police, AKP Yudha Pratama, S.H., while providing outreach to fishermen about shark conservation on Monday, April 28, 2025, conveyed the importance of maintaining the marine ecosystem so that shark populations remain sustainable. He also reminded that although sharks have an extraordinary ability to regenerate teeth, threats from human activities such as overfishing and habitat destruction remain a major concern. “Understanding shark facts and the importance of their role in the marine food chain is the first step for effective conservation efforts,” he said.
The unique ability of sharks to replace their teeth quickly is one of the shark facts that shows how perfectly adapted they are to the marine environment. As important predators, understanding the biology and behaviour of sharks, including their tooth regeneration ability, is crucial for their future conservation efforts.