Prehistoric Animals Extinct Extinct

Megalodon

Otodus megalodon

An enormous extinct macropredatory shark that lived in warm oceans during the Neogene.

Photo: Gunnar Ries Amphibol · CC BY-SA 3.0

Overview

Megalodon is known mainly from large fossil teeth and vertebral remains. It likely preyed on marine mammals and other large vertebrates and occupied a top-predator role in many marine ecosystems.

Physical characteristics

Length1,400–1,800 cm

DietCarnivore

Habitat & distribution

Habitats

Coastal OceanOpen Ocean

Range

Worldwide Oceans

Time range

EraCenozoic

PeriodNeogene

First appearanceabout 23 million years ago

Last appearanceabout 3.6 million years ago

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