Researchers have rediscovered a rare set of giant fossil vertebrae from the extinct megalodon, giving scientists new insight into the size, lifespan, and feeding habits of one of the largest predators ever to swim the oceans.
The fossils belonged to Otodus megalodon, a giant shark that lived worldwide between about 15 million and 3.6 million years ago. The findings were published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica.
The international research team included scientists from Denmark, the United States and Australia. They reexamined a 10.8-million-year-old vertebral specimen that had been missing since the 1980s.
Lost fossils found after decades
Workers first discovered the fossils in the late 1970s at a commercial clay pit in Gram, Denmark. After they were studied, the specimens were stored at the Geological Museum of Copenhagen, now part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark.
During a move, however, the fossils were misplaced. They remained lost for decades until a museum staff member found several forgotten boxes in the late 2010s.
Although many of the vertebrae have deteriorated, the specimen remains one of the most important megalodon fossils ever found. It formed the basis for estimates of the shark’s maximum size.
Lead author Kenshu Shimada, a paleobiology professor at DePaul University in Chicago, said the rediscovered fossils confirm the largest known megalodon vertebra measured 23 centimeters (9 inches) across. He said the specimen also represents the largest shark vertebra and the largest fish vertebra known to science.
Fossils reveal the shark’s enormous size
Scientists have never found a complete megalodon skeleton because sharks have cartilage instead of bone, making their skeletons difficult to preserve.
A long-lost set of megalodon vertebrae has been rediscovered after decades, giving scientists a rare chance to study one of the largest predators ever to live.
The fossils reveal new clues about the giant shark's size, lifespan and even its possible last meal. pic.twitter.com/6WAilLzVpr
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 29, 2026
By comparing the Danish fossils with a more complete vertebral column from Belgium, researchers estimate the giant shark reached up to 24.3 meters (80 feet) in length and weighed about 94 metric tons.
Scans uncover age and final meal
The team also used high-resolution micro-CT scans to examine growth bands inside the vertebrae. Similar to tree rings, the bands are believed to form once each year. The analysis showed the shark was at least 64 years old when it died and may have lived as long as 96 years.
The scans also uncovered an unexpected clue. Rocks surrounding the vertebrae contained tiny scales and fragments of gill structures from a basking shark. Researchers concluded the remains likely came from prey eaten by the megalodon, providing what they believe is the first fossil evidence of the giant shark’s stomach contents.
Discovery offers new insight into megalodon
Researchers said the rediscovered specimen offers a rare opportunity to better understand the biology, growth and ecological role of the extinct predator. While their growth model suggests some megalodons may have grown slightly larger, Shimada said 24.3 meters remains the largest scientifically supported size estimate for the species.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
