The megalodon was one of the largest and most fearsome predators to ever roam the oceans. Reaching up to 60 feet in length, this massive shark had jaws large enough to swallow a person whole. If you’re wondering what could possibly be bigger than this gigantic prehistoric shark, read on for the fascinating answer.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The blue whale is bigger than a megalodon, growing up to 100 feet long.
Introducing the Megalodon
Physical Description and Size
The megalodon (Otodus megalodon) was the largest shark that ever lived. This massive prehistoric shark may have reached lengths of up to 60 feet (18 meters) – that’s longer than a school bus!
Based on fossil evidence, researchers estimate adult megalodons achieved weights of over 70 tons (63 tonnes). To put that into perspective, that’s 30 times heavier than a great white shark!
The megalodon had a robust, stocky appearance. Its jaws were lined with 276 serrated, heart-shaped teeth up to 7 inches (18 cm) long. These deadly teeth were perfect for grabbing and tearing apart large marine mammals.
Diet and Hunting
Megalodons were apex predators that fed mostly on marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. Their massive jaws allowed them to consume whole sea cows and small whales in just five bites!
These sharks employed a slash-and-tear feeding method, inflicting massive traumatic damage on their prey. They would first slam into their target at high speed, then tear out chunks of flesh with their formidable teeth.
Some research suggests adult megalodons would have needed to eat a massive 88-176 tons (80-160 tonnes) of food per year to sustain their enormous bulk.
When and Where it Lived
Megalodons first appeared around 23 million years ago during the early Miocene epoch. For the next 20 million years, they ruled the oceans as apex predators.
The megalodon’s global distribution suggests it could inhabit waters ranging in temperature from cold to tropical. Fossil evidence shows megalodon teeth have been found in areas that were once coastal zones in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.
But around 2.6 million years ago the giant shark went extinct, likely due to declining food sources, climate changes and increased competition from other apex predators such as killer whales.
The Blue Whale is Bigger
Average Size of Blue Whales
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest animal ever known to have existed on Earth. The average length of these gentle giants is about 75-80 feet (22.86-24.38 meters) long, which is nearly the size of a Boeing 737 jet plane with a wingspan around 100 feet (30 meters).
Though their immense sizes vary, some “titans of the sea” have been measured over 100 feet (30 meters) long from their snout to their flukes. Simply put, blue whales are extraordinarily massive in scale.
Record Lengths
The longest blue whale ever reliably measured clocked in at 108 feet (33 meters), as reported by American whalers in the early 20th century off the coast of Newfoundland. More recent observations have estimated lengths of nearly 110 feet (33.5 meters) for the largest specimens swimming through today’s oceans.
To visualize just how long that is, it’s over half the entire length of an American football field!
Weight Comparison
| Animal | Average Weight |
| Blue whale | 200 tons (181 metric tons) |
| Megalodon shark | 70 tons (64 metric tons) |
With an average weight of around 200 tons (400,000 pounds), blue whales absolutely dwarf all other animals on Earth today and in history – including the mega-toothed megalodon shark that weighed “just” 70 tons. That’s the equivalent of about 30 adult elephants!
Even the largest Tyrannosaurus rex weiged under 10 tons.
Why the Blue Whale Got So Big
Scientists think blue whales were able to evolve to such tremendous proportions for a few key reasons:
- They feed on tiny shrimp-like krill, which are abundant in cold polar oceans – providing plenty of nutrition.
- The water helps support their massive weight.
- They have an efficient breathing system to provide energizing oxygen.
- They have few natural predators given their intimidating size.
While the megalodon shark went extinct over 2 million years ago, blue whales continue to gracefully traverse all major oceans today. So if you’re seeking out the most colossal creature on the planet ever, look no further than the magnificent blue whale!
Other Massive Prehistoric Sea Creatures
Leedsichthys – Largest Bony Fish Ever
The Leedsichthys was likely the largest bony fish that ever existed. This Jurassic-era fish may have grown over 30 feet long and weighed around 20 tons. Its sheer size would have made it a slow swimmer, but also nearly impervious to attacks from other sea predators of the time.
Some evidence suggests the Leedsichthys mainly fed on plankton due to the structure of its gills and mouth.
Liopleurodon – Biggest Sea Reptile
The Liopleurodon was the apex predator of the Middle Jurassic seas, growing over 30 feet long with a skull nearly 10 feet long alone. Thisfearsome pliosaur had a very powerful bite, strong limbs for propulsion, and excellent vision – making it a terrifying hunter.
Some analysis suggests an adult Liopleurodon would have weighed up to 50,000 pounds.
Kronosaurus – Giant Short-Necked Pliosaur
Kronosaurus is another giant short-necked pliosaur that hunted in Early Cretaceous seas. It had a massive 10-foot long head filled with large, destructive teeth. Some specimens found in Australia measure over 30 feet long.
Kronosaurus likely ambushed prey including fish and marine reptiles rather than engaging in long chases. Its massive size would intimidate any creature nearby.
Shastasaurus – Enormous Ichthyosaur
Shastasaurus was one of the largest marine reptiles ever found, with the biggest species possibly reaching over 65 feet long. This enormous ichthyosaur lived about 240 million years ago during the Triassic period.
Its elongated body and small teeth suggest Shastasaurus was a suction feeder, using its mouth and jaws to vacuum up soft prey.
Basilosaurus – Early Whale Specimen
Initially thought to be some kind of reptile, Basilosaurus was actually an ancient whale that lived about 40 million years ago during the Eocene. This massive creature grew over 65 feet long and is believed to have weighed around 50 tons.
Basilosaurus was an apex predator of its time and its streamlined body allowed it to efficiently cruise the seas in search of prey like fish and seals.
Largest Land Animals
African Bush Elephant
The African bush elephant is the largest living land animal. These gentle giants can grow up to 13 feet tall and weigh over 15,000 pounds! Their enormous size is a magnificent sight to behold. African elephants use their trunks to lift food and suck up water.
They also employ their tusks to dig for roots and strip bark from trees. Living in herds provides protection for young calves that stay close to their mothers for the first few years of life. Elephants are incredibly intelligent and emotional creatures that grieve deeply for lost loved ones.
These majestic animals face threats from poaching and habitat loss across Africa. Conservation efforts aim to protect remaining elephant populations in the wild.
Sauropod Dinosaurs – Brontosaurus etc.
Sauropods like the Brontosaurus were the largest land animals that ever lived. These giant, long-necked dinosaurs could grow over 100 feet long and weigh more than 80 tons! Their massive size allowed them to feast on tall trees that other herbivores could not reach.
Sauropods had tiny heads but huge bodies with pillar-like legs to support their enormous bulk. They lived during the Jurassic and Cretaceous time periods over 65 million years ago. Complete sauropod skeletons are rare finds, but individual bones reveal how truly gargantuan these extinct beasts were.
The largest sauropods like Argentinosaurus and Patagotitan would have dwarfed modern elephants. There’s an eternal fascination with these colossal dinosaurs that once shook the earth with every step.
Paraceratherium – Largest Land Mammal
The Paraceratherium is considered the largest land mammal that ever existed, even bigger than any modern elephant. This massive, prehistoric rhinoceros relative weighed over 20 tons and stood up to 18 feet tall at the shoulder!
Paleontologists believe Paraceratherium lived in Asia around 34 million years ago during the Oligocene Epoch. It had a long neck and muscular legs for reaching high tree branches to feed on leaves. While the complete size of Paraceratherium is debated, analysis of fossil bones confirms this rhino relative was far larger than any animal roaming land today.
Just imagine an 18-foot tall rhino wandering ancient forests! Paraceratherium went extinct millions of years ago, leaving the elephant as the largest remaining land mammal on Earth.
Heaviest Animals Ever
Blue Whale
The blue whale is the undisputed largest animal on Earth. These magnificent marine mammals rule the oceans at up to 100 feet long and upwards of 200 tons. Their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant.
Researchers estimate the heart of a blue whale can weigh more than 1,300 pounds and pump about 220 gallons of blood with each beat. Talk about a heavyweight champion! Despite their massive size, blue whales are graceful giants that feed primarily on tiny krill.
Argentinosaurus – Heaviest Dinosaur
The enormous Argentinosaurus is considered the heaviest dinosaur on record. This long-necked lizard could grow to over 120 feet long and weigh more than 90 tons. That’s as heavy as 12 African elephants!
Paleontologists believe this gigantic herbivore lived during the Cretaceous period about 95 million years ago. Fossil remains of Argentinosaurus were discovered in Argentina in 1987. Imagine seeing this towering titan lumbering across the landscape millions of years ago.
It must have been an awe-inspiring sight!
Mammoth – Ice Age Giant
Woolly mammoths were elephant ancestors that lived during the Ice Ages. These impressively large mammals weighed 6-8 tons and grew up to 13 feet tall at the shoulder. Their long tusks helped them forage beneath snow to graze on grasses and herbs.
Thick fur coats helped insulate them from frigid temperatures. Woolly mammoths went extinct about 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting. These magnificent ice age giants continue to fascinate us today.
Researchers have found well-preserved mammoth remains frozen in Siberian permafrost, even discovering evidence of liquid blood!
Conclusion
While the megalodon was certainly one of the most massive predators to roam the oceans, the blue whale has it beat in terms of sheer size. Some prehistoric sea creatures like Leedsichthys may have rivaled the megalodon as well.
On land, giant sauropod dinosaurs and the Paraceratherium exceeded the megalodon’s dimensions. In terms of weight, the blue whale again claims the top spot among the heaviest animals to ever live. The megalodon continues to captivate our imagination, but several creatures did grow larger than this gigantic shark.
