World’s largest Megalodon fossils discovered in Denmark

The largest Megalodon vertebrae ever found have been uncovered in Denmark, offering new insights into the size and lifespan of the prehistoric shark, according to a report by Danish broadcaster DR.

Discovered during an excavation in Gram Lergrav in 1978, the fossils had been stored in boxes since the 1980s, presumed lost, until a museum worker rediscovered them. Researchers at Aarhus University later scanned the vertebrae, which are the largest ever found from any fish.

Mette Elstrup of Museum Sønderjylland, one of the researchers involved, said the findings suggest the shark could reach lengths of up to 24 metres and live for as long as 96 years. The scans revealed growth rings in the vertebrae, allowing scientists to estimate the shark’s age.

“To put the 24 metres into perspective, a Megalodon would just about fit in most swimming pools, which are 25 metres long,” Elstrup said.

The discovery also included possible stomach contents, marking the first time researchers have found remains of another shark inside a Megalodon. Previously, it was believed the species primarily fed on whales, based on fossilised teeth marks found in whale bones.

Elstrup described the find as historic, noting that these are the largest Megalodon vertebrae ever discovered. “It’s an iconic shark, and working with the largest specimen ever found—it doesn’t get bigger than this,” she said.

The findings also support theories that Megalodon inhabited cooler marine environments.