Megalodon was a massive prehistoric shark that lived approximately 23 to 3.6 million years ago, during the Miocene to Pliocene epochs. It is one of the largest and most powerful predators in history, estimated to reach lengths of up to 18 meters (59 feet) or more. Megalodon had enormous, serrated teeth, some over 18 cm (7 inches) long, ideal for slicing through large prey like whales and other marine mammals. It had a broad, powerful body and jaws capable of exerting a bite force much stronger than that of modern great white sharks. Fossils of Megalodon have been found worldwide, revealing its presence in ancient oceans across various regions.