“We estimate that an adult Otodus megalodon could cruise at faster absolute speeds than any shark species today and fully consume prey the size of modern apex predators.” — Cooper et al.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjXDFuSl8Mc

Characteristics

Otodus obliquus was a large, prehistoric shark that existed during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs. Here are its key physical characteristics:

• Size: Estimated to have reached lengths of 9-10 meters (30-33 feet), making it one of the larger predatory sharks of its time
• Teeth: Possessed large, triangular teeth with smooth cutting edges and distinct lateral cusps on each side of the main cusp
• Dental formula: Similar to modern sharks with multiple rows of teeth that were continuously replaced throughout its lifetime
• Body structure: Believed to have had a robust, streamlined body similar to modern mackerel sharks (Lamniformes)
• Weight: Estimated at approximately 2-3 tons based on skeletal remains and comparative anatomy
• Feeding apparatus: Powerful jaws with strong musculature capable of generating significant bite force

Time Period

Otodus obliquus existed during the following geological time periods:

• Paleocene epoch: 65.5 to 56 million years ago

• Eocene epoch: 56 to 33.9 million years ago

• Notably present during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), a period of rapid global warming approximately 55.8 million years ago

• Fossil evidence suggests the species existed for approximately 25-30 million years before evolving into other Otodus species

  

Habitat