Dinosaur Showcase: Megalodon
Introducing the Megalodon—the apex predator of the prehistoric oceans, now reborn in your park’s Lagoon. This colossal mackerel shark commands attention with bone-crushing jaws and a size that dwarfs even the Mosasaurus.
Notable Characteristics:
- While a solitary species, Megaladon will comfortably cohabit with their life partner.
- Megalodon will not exhibit parental behaviours and may attack juveniles if they attempt to interact.
- They require a large body of open water with a shark feeder – space required increases when juveniles become adults.
Dating back around 20 million years to the Miocene period, the Megalodon is one of the largest sharks ever to have existed - growing up to 15 metres in length and 50 tonnes in weight.
The exact date of their initial discovery is unknown, but there have been references to Megalodon teeth for over 2500 years. Swiss-American biologist Louis Agassiz formally described the genus in 1835, based on detailed analysis of a number of teeth.
Its name translates literally to ‘big tooth’, highlighting one of the species’ key features; Six rows of razor-sharp teeth that can grow up to seven inches in length. With around 276 teeth in its impressive jaws, Megalodon was the apex predator of its environment, preying on everything from turtles to sperm whales. Although in your Parks, its food source comes from a dedicated feeder.
Megalodons tend to be solitary and territorial, so ensure large enclosures and minimize competition to keep them at ease. They are known to have existed all over the world with fossil specimens recovered from almost every continent except Antarctica, so they will be comfortable in many climates, although they are most suited to warmer temperatures. Be sure to carefully monitor their wellbeing, these giants demand constant attention but offer unmatched spectacle.
Powerful. Primeval. Unrivalled. The Megalodon truly brings prehistoric legend to life.
