A new study has revealed fascinating details about the Megalodon, the massive prehistoric shark that lived between 15 to 3.6 million years ago.
Scientists from around the world, led by Professor Kenshu Shimada of DePaul University, have used modern research methods to estimate the full size and shape of this giant predator.
Their findings were published in Palaeontologia Electronica.
How big was the Megalodon?
The Megalodon, officially called Otodus megalodon, is mostly known from its fossilized teeth and vertebrae.
Unlike complete skeletons of dinosaurs, no full Megalodon skeleton has ever been found. For years, scientists thought it looked like a huge version of the great white shark, as seen in movies like The Meg.
However, a nearly complete 36-foot-long vertebral column of a Megalodon found in Belgium allowed researchers to take a new approach.
By studying 165 species of modern and extinct sharks, they estimated that Megalodon’s head was about 6 feet long, and its tail stretched 12 feet—bringing the total size of this particular specimen to 54 feet.
Could Megalodon have been even bigger?
A different set of vertebrae found in Denmark is much larger, suggesting that some Megalodons may have grown up to 80 feet long, weighing around 94 tons. This makes it one of the largest predators to ever exist.
One of the most interesting findings is that Megalodon likely did not resemble a great white shark at all. Instead, its body was more similar to that of a lemon shark, which has a longer, more slender shape.
This discovery helps explain why some ocean creatures grow to enormous sizes while others do not. Large whales, whale sharks, and basking sharks all have sleek bodies, which help them move through the water efficiently. In contrast, the stocky body of a great white shark limits its size to about 23 feet due to hydrodynamic constraints.
How did Megalodon live?
The study also revealed clues about Megalodon’s life cycle. Newborns were already massive—about 12 to 13 feet long! Scientists believe that Megalodon embryos survived in the womb by eating unfertilized eggs, a behavior still seen in some sharks today.
Despite its massive size, Megalodon wasn’t a particularly fast swimmer. Estimates suggest it cruised at speeds between 1.3 and 2.2 miles per hour, similar to modern great white sharks.
Why did Megalodon go extinct?
The study supports the idea that competition from the great white shark may have contributed to Megalodon’s extinction around 5 million years ago. As the great white shark population grew, they may have taken over Megalodon’s hunting grounds and food sources.
Although many details about Megalodon’s life remain uncertain, these new findings provide exciting insights into the true nature of this legendary shark.
Professor Shimada and his team hope that one day, a complete Megalodon skeleton will be found to confirm their discoveries.
