Overview

• Teeth incubated for eight weeks at pH 8.1 versus 7.3 showed markedly more cracks, holes and root corrosion in the lower pH tanks.
• Using a corrosion‑by‑area index, deterioration was roughly 50% higher under the projected year‑2300 pH of 7.3.
• Study authors note the samples were non‑living tissue, so potential remineralisation or rapid replacement in living sharks was not captured.
• Independent experts warn weaker or more frequently replaced teeth could increase energetic costs and hinder prey capture, though fitness effects remain unconfirmed.
• The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, used aquarium‑collected blacktip reef shark teeth and underscores the need for multi‑species, mechanical‑strength and ecological studies.