Biggest Megalodon Enemies: Megalodon, the gigantic and ferocious shark that ruled the oceans 23 million years ago, was the ruler of its era.
With its massive size of up to 60 feet and a bite stronger than a T-Rex, it appeared invincible. Even this formidable predator had its opponents.
In this article, we will look at six of the biggest megalodon enemies who could give it a run for its money.
1. Zygophyseter Verulianus—The Killer Sperm Whale.
Zygophyseter Verulianus, also known as the killer sperm whale, roamed the oceans in the late Myocene epoch. This predator, which could reach 20 feet in length, had an asymmetrical skull and hunted animals via echolocation. Zygophyseters used teeth ranging in length from six to ten inches to hunt huge fish, dolphins, small whales, and cephalopods. Its fatal bite presented a formidable challenge to the Megalodon.
2. Aulophyseter — The Challenger
Aulophyseter, a predatory whale resembling the contemporary sperm whale, flourished during the Myocene epoch. While it couldn’t compete with the Megalodon’s size, Aulophyseter used numbers to its advantage, frequently swimming in groups to resist attacks by huge predators such as the Megalodon. Aulophyseter, which measured 20 feet in length and weighed about 2400 pounds, relied on teamwork for protection and survival.
3. Cetotherium—The Baleen Whale’s Defense
Cetotherium, a baleen whale from the Cetotheridae family, lived during the mid-Myocene and early Pleiocene periods. Cetotherium was significantly smaller than Megalodon, reaching about 15 feet in length, but it had distinct defensive characteristics.
Cetotherium’s baleen, a flexible keratin strainer, allows it to catch minute creatures while feeding near the surface, eluding the huge Megalodon. However, when the big shark found Cetotherium, he had little chance of escaping.
4. Ramphosuchus—the Ancient Crocodile
Ramphosuchus, one of the world’s largest crocodiles, lived during the Myocene epoch. This huge crocodile, estimated to be 26 to 36 feet long, has a thin snout compared to other crocodiles, allowing it to swim very well. It frequently entered rivers and oceans in quest of food, occasionally coming across the Megalodon. Ramphosuchus’ long and powerful bite offered a big challenge to the enormous shark as they competed for the same meal.
MORE STORY
- 11 “Really Good” New Dollar Tree Beauty Dupes, Shoppers Say
- 7 Airlines With the Best In-Flight Entertainment According to Social Media Users
5. Livyatan—The Leviathan Battle
Livyatan, sometimes known as Leviathan, was a gigantic whale that measured 60 feet long and weighed up to 50 tons. During the Myocene period, Livyatan coexisted with Megalodon and fed mostly on baleen whales such as Cetotherium.
With fangs up to 14 inches long and a similar size and weight to the Megalodon, it’s unclear whether these two titans fought in fight. However, their fight for resources is likely to have had an impact on their survival.
6. Brygmophyseter Shigensis – The Coastal Predator
Brygmophyseter Shigensis, a very predatory sperm whale, lived in coastal seas in Japan during the Myocene epoch. With a length of 23 feet, Brygmophyseter had teeth in both its upper and lower jaw. With powerful teeth and the capacity to use echolocation, this predator dominated the food chain, eating fish, squid, and other small whales. Its existence coincided with that of the Megalodon, which could result in resource conflicts.
Conclusion
While the Megalodon was the top predator of its time, it encountered powerful opponents who challenged its dominance in the ancient oceans.
Cetotherium, Zygophyseter Verulianus, Aulophyseter, Brygmophyseter Shigensis, Ramphosuchus, and Livyatan all had distinct survival and growth methods.
It’s unclear if they fought the Megalodon directly, but their presence is likely to have contributed to the shark’s final extinction. The ancient oceans were a war for existence, with only the strongest claiming their position at the top of the food chain.
