The ancient world’s oceans were filled with massive fish and reptiles that would easily kill the modern-day great white shark. The megalodon (Otodus megalodon) was the largest shark to exist, and it was a fierce predator. What happens if we pit the megalodon vs. the largest crocodile ever?
Specifically, who would win if the megalodon fought an enormous Machimosaurus rex, the largest marine crocodile? In this particular fight, we’re going to focus on the largest sea-dwelling crocodile ever, making this fight even more likely to occur in an environment where both animals are most effective. We’ll break down the fight from many angles and show you which one is most likely to survive. Â
Comparing a Megalodon and the Largest Crocodile Ever
| Megalodon | Largest Crocodile Ever | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | -Weight: upwards of 50 tons or 100,000 pounds -Length: 22 to 60 feet | -Weight: 2 to 3 tons or 4,000 to 6,000 pounds -Length: Maximum 23.5 to 30 feet, with modern studies supporting the latter |
| Speed | – Between 3 and 11 mph – Some estimates are higher, with upwards of 20 mph maximum speed over short distances | – Unknown – Modern saltwater crocodiles can move at 15 to 18 mph – An adept swimmer that lived in open marine environments |
| Defenses | – Large size made attacking this shark very difficult or impractical – Potent senses could identify threats before they got too close – The shark’s maximum swim speed could help it escape danger – The thick body would take plenty of non-fatal damage, giving the creature some leeway in a prolonged battle | – Senses would warn them of encroaching predators – Large, scaly body would make it difficult for many creatures to bite, stab, or otherwise harm – Their swimming abilities would make it hard for most large predators to keep up with them |
| Offensive Capabilities | – 7-inch teeth – Bite power between 108,000 N and 180,000 N – Massive jaws that measured between 6.5 and 9 feet in diameter, allowing this creature to bite large areas | – Conical teeth measuring about 1-2 inches that helped them crush bones – Estimated bite force of about 88,000 N – Relatively narrow snout |
| Predatory Behavior | – Possibly an ambush predator like other sharks, attacking from below and behind prey – Opportunistic predator that consumed prey as it encountered it | – Apex predator – Likely an ambush predator as well as a scavenger |
What Are the 2 Key Differences Between a Megalodon vs. Largest Crocodile Ever?
The most significant differences between a megalodon and the largest crocodile ever include their size and morphology. The megalodon was a torpedo-shaped cartilaginous fish that weighed upwards of 100,000 pounds and measured 60 feet long, and the largest crocodile ever was a massive reptile with a long, narrow snout similar to modern crocs that weighed between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds while measuring upwards of 30 feet long.
These animals are very different from one another, but those dissimilarities are not the only things that matter in this fight.
What Are the Key Factors in a Fight Between a Megalodon and the Largest Crocodile Ever?
The key factors in a fight between megalodon and Machimosaurus rex are size, defense, and offensive capabilities. These factors will play a large role in the battle between these animals. However, we want to give you a more complete picture of this conflict. That’s why we’re going to compare five elements of these animals and determine which creature has the advantage in a variety of categories.
Megalodon vs. the Largest Crocodile Ever: Size
Although Machimosaurus rex was large, the megalodon was far bigger. The largest estimated size for a megalodon was about 60 feet, and it may have weighed up to 100,000 pounds. Simply put, this shark was massive.
However, the largest crocodile was no small being. It’s believed that this creature measured between 23.5 and 30 feet and weighed between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds. Â
Megalodon had the size advantage.
The largest estimated size for a megalodon was about 60 feet, and it may have weighed up to 100,000 pounds.
©racksuz/Shutterstock.com
Megalodon vs. the Largest Crocodile Ever: Speed
Although the megalodon was very large, it was not a slow being. It may have been able to swim at speeds of 3 mph and reach 11 mph when closing in on its prey. Some estimates place its maximum speed even higher!
Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of information about the largest crocodile’s speed. However, modern saltwater crocodiles can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds and move between 15 and 18 mph.
Megalodon probably had the speed advantage.
The megalodon may have been able to swim at speeds of 3 mph and reach 11 mph when closing in on its prey.
©Catmando/Shutterstock.com
Megalodon vs. the Largest Crocodile Ever: Defenses
Both the megalodon and the largest marine crocodile ever relied on their large size to keep them safe. Few creatures would dare to attack an animal so massive and powerful. Megalodon had the speed required to escape dangerous situations as well.
The largest crocodile ever may have had a thick hide and scutes to offer it even more protection against attacks. The megalodon could have relied on its mass to absorb damage from creatures brave enough to attack it.
While the largest crocodile ever had scutes and tough skin, the megalodon’s impressive size gives it the edge.
Few creatures would dare to attack an animal so massive and powerful.
©Gil Cohiba/Shutterstock.com
Megalodon vs. the Largest Crocodile Ever: Offensive Capabilities
The largest crocodile ever had many teeth that were cone-shaped, designed to break bones and the shells of turtles. However, they were not that long. Some specimens only show teeth measuring about 2 inches long. Still, their bite force made up for their diminutive teeth, and they may have been able to bite with a force of 88,000 Newtons.
Meanwhile, the megalodon’s bite was even stronger. This shark could bite with a force between 108,000 and 180,000 Newtons. Their 7-inch-long teeth and jaws that measured up to 9 feet in diameter would allow them to take enormous bites out of their prey. It’s hard to say what kind of creatures could withstand such a potent force.
Megalodon has the offensive advantage in this fight.
Megalodons’ 7-inch-long teeth would allow them to take enormous bites out of their prey.
©iStock.com/Mark Kostich
Megalodon vs. the Largest Crocodile Ever: Predatory Behavior
Both the megalodon and the Machimosaurus rex were likely ambush predators. Like other sharks, megalodon would have attacked from behind, coming from below to kill them. The largest crocodile ever may have been a scavenger as well as a predator, feeding on stolen carrion.
Both creatures are tied for their predatory behaviors.
The largest crocodile ever was likely an ambush predator.
©Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com) / CC BY 3.0 – License
Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Megalodon and the Largest Crocodile Ever?
Megalodon would beat the largest crocodile ever. Even a juvenile megalodon that measured 30 feet long and had teeth that measured 3 inches long would probably defeat the crocodile on even footing. Of course, an ambush would change that.
The sheer size of the megalodon would confound the crocodile’s ability to attack it. Sure, it can open its mouth wide, but would a single bite with 2-inch teeth be enough to kill a megalodon? Could it even do enough damage before the shark gets a bite in?
An adult megalodon would have every advantage needed in terms of power, size, speed, and defense to kill Machimosaurus rex. It would quickly land a bite and shear off a ton of flesh, immediately causing the crocodile to lose the fight, especially if the bite was to a vital area like the head.
The only exception would be if the crocodile managed to sneak attack the shark and deathroll a fin off before the megalodon could react, something that we’re not entirely certain the crocodile could do. In the battle between a megalodon vs. the largest crocodile ever, the megalodon wins.
Up Next:
- Megalodon vs. Great White: Who Would Win in a Fight?
- Megalodon vs. Sperm Whale: Who Would Win in a Fight?
- Megalodon vs. Whale Shark: Who Would Win in a Fight?
- Rhamphosuchus vs. Megalodon: Who Would Win in a Fight?
The photo featured at the top of this post is © racksuz/Shutterstock.com
Sources
- NCBI (1970) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707698/
- Live Science (1970) livescience.com/3d-megalodon-model#:~:text=After working out the megalodon's,faster than any living shark
- Science.org, Available here: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abm9424
- Ocean.edu, Available here: https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/sharks-rays/megalodon
- Palaeo-electronica, Available here: https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2016/1554-teleosaurid-size-estimation
- Science Direct, Available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195667115301178
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