Megalodon: Characteristics, Habitat, and Mysteries of its Extinction

Discover the Megalodon: The Largest Marine Predator in History

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-638-ECO
Published in 03-25-2025

The Megalodon was the largest shark to ever exist on Earth. Its length ranged from 15 to 20 meters, with an estimated bite force of 10 tons. Its teeth, up to 18 cm long, were sharp and serrated, perfect for tearing through flesh with ease.

Habitat: This colossal predator inhabited warm and temperate oceans worldwide. Fossils have been found in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, indicating a vast marine distribution.

Reproduction: It is believed that the Megalodon was ovoviviparous, meaning its offspring developed inside eggs within the mother's womb before being born fully formed. The newborns were already several meters long, giving them a survival advantage.

Megalodon: Curious and Fascinating Facts About this Extinct Shark

Diet: Its diet consisted of large marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, and seals. It also fed on large fish and other sharks. With its powerful jaws and speed, it was an unstoppable apex predator.

Extinction: The Megalodon is estimated to have gone extinct around 3.6 million years ago. Its disappearance may have been due to climate changes, the decline of its prey, and competition with other predators such as prehistoric orcas.

In the image Megalodon referring to the size of a human being.

Period in which they lived on Earth: The Megalodon existed during the Cenozoic era, specifically from the Miocene to the Pliocene, between 23 and 3.6 million years ago. During this time, it ruled the oceans as the most feared superpredator of its era.

This gigantic shark continues to fascinate scientists and paleontology enthusiasts, leaving its legacy in fossils still being discovered around the world.