Happy Megalodon Shark Day to all our scuba diving friends! In the previous post this month we took a closer look at the Top 5 Biggest Sharks found in the UK waters. Today, we celebrate one of the largest apex predators to have ever existed. The Megalodon shark has fascinated people for years, thanks to its enormous serrated teeth and dominance over the world's oceans for over 20 million years. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Megalodon: where it lived, what it ate, and how you can hunt for its teeth.
Where and when did Megalodon Shark live?
The Megalodon was present in most of the world's oceans, which is why its teeth can be found in coastal marine deposits worldwide. Although it has yet to be precisely known where the Megalodon spent most of its life, there is enough evidence to support that it roamed the open ocean, from the coasts to the deep sea, for over 20 million years with the timeframe from the early Miocene Epoch (which began 23.03 million years ago) to the end of the Pliocene Epoch (2.58 million years ago). Its size varied from 52 to 60 feet (15-19 meters) in length, making it one of the most formidable predators known to the world. With these numbers the Meg was three times longer than the great white shark and close to the largest whale shark ever spotted.
What did Megalodon eat?
Fossil evidence points to the Megalodon as a vital predator of large marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and large fish. Young Megalodon sharks probably focused on smaller prey, while adults could prey upon larger whales. Studies show that an adult Megalodon would have needed up to 2,500 lbs of food daily, equivalent to eating one and a half cows per day! Fossil bones of these large marine mammals frequently bear bite marks and feeding damage that match those of the Megalodon. Teeth of the Megalodon have also been found in close association with the skeletons of its prey. Fossil localities that produce Megalodon teeth almost always yield a high concentration of marine mammal fossils.
Hunting for Megalodon Teeth
If you're interested in finding Megalodon teeth, then southeastern Atlantic coastal states like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland are some of your best destinations. Megalodon teeth hunting typically involves exploring riverbeds, shoreline areas, and diving and snorkelling around the offshore reefs and ledges that teeth may have sunk into millions of years ago. The biggest teeth that can be found are around 6-7 inches but are extremely rare find. With a bit of luck and persistence, you can uncover these fascinating pieces of prehistory with just the use of your snorkelling gear.
Jaw dropping cash
Ever wondered how much a megalodon fossil teeth could be worth? Well, if you find one and it is in great condition, then you might have just hit the jackpot! Natural history museum-quality megalodon teeth can fetch prices ranging from $5,000 to even $10,000. So keep your eyes peeled for these precious fossils and make sure to take good care of them – they’re worth more than their weight in gold! 🔍😊👍 Plus, if you find one of the largest megalodon teeth ever found – measuring a whopping 7 inches – then you know that this particular megalodon was at least between 45 and 50 feet (13-15 meters) long! It’s like having a large piece of history in your hands.
When hunting for teeth, it's essential to learn basic techniques such as how to identify a Megalodon's tooth and where to find the potential locations. You'll want to do your research to determine the history of the area you plan to hunt because certain types of rocks, sediments, and formations yield more Megalodon fossils than others. Additionally, don't forget to check with local regulations, as some areas may have laws against removing fossilized material from public lands or waters.
Happy International Megalodon Shark Day! Today, we celebrate one of nature's most impressive creatures that ruled the oceans for over 20 million years. Understanding the history of the Megalodon can help you appreciate the importance of protecting our oceans since the same food sources that attracted Megalodon are essential habitats for many marine creatures that inhabit the seas today. So, let's celebrate this magnificent creature today, and every day, as we continue to preserve and protect all of nature's creatures.
