Megalodon Fossil range: Miocene - Pleistocene
Size comparison between C. megalodon and diver.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Chondrichthyes Subclass: Elasmobranchii Order: Lamniformes Family: Lamnidae Genus: Carcharodon Species: C. megalodon
Binomial name
Carcharodon megalodon Agassiz, 1843

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The megalodon (pronounced /mɛɡlɑːdɒn/ or meg-la-don; meaning 'big teeth' or in Greek as μέγας 'οδόντος) is a giant prehistoric shark that probably lived between about 16 to 1.5 million years ago,^[1] and was the apex predator in its time. It is recognized as the biggest known carnivorous fish to have existed.^[2] It is often termed the "mega-tooth shark." The classification of this shark is currently under dispute and a new genus has been proposed for this species. Fossil evidence has revealed that C. megalodon fed upon large animals, including the early whales.^[1]

Some cryptozoologists argue that this shark might still be alive today, probably living in deep waters, and often cite the examples of coelacanth and megamouth shark to support their claims.^[1] However, such beliefs are considered to be false and lack sufficient credibility. Still, C. megalodon has left a lasting impact on the minds of the people around the world, as a highly fascinating monster, which is evident from the popular culture.