How Fast Was the Meg? Ancient Shark Five Times Slower Than Michael Phelps

Contrary to its portrayal in the Meg movie franchise as a swift and terrifying creature, a new study indicates that the megalodon shark, despite its immense size of up to 65 feet (20 meters), was not particularly fast in its movements.

Previous estimations suggested a swimming speed of 3.1mph, but researchers now believe its maximum speed was closer to 1.2mph. By comparison, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps achieved speeds of around 6mph during his peak performance.

Meg: An Average Swimmer of the Ancient Seas

A recent study published in Historical Biology aimed to determine the maximum swimming speed of the megalodon. Unlike previous research that focused on the shark's teeth, the scientists examined small placoid scales discovered in rock fragments from Japan.

Professor Kenshu Shimada, the lead author of the study conducted at DePaul University in Chicago, highlighted the significance of their findings, stating that they derived substantial scientific insights from tiny evidence comparable to grains of sand. The analysis ultimately indicated that, despite its massive proportions, the megalodon was not a particularly fast swimmer.

Shimada noted that the megalodon was an "average swimmer" that occasionally engaged in bursts of faster swimming to capture its prey, MailOnline reported. This finding challenges the popular perception of the megalodon as a swift predator and provides new insights into its behavior and locomotion.

Based on the placoid scales analysis, the absence of 'keels' on the creature indicates that it lacked the narrow ridges typically found in fast-swimming sharks.

The scientists were taken aback by this discovery as they had previously determined that the megalodon was warm-blooded. They were intrigued by how the fossil shark managed to dissipate the considerable amount of metabolic heat generated by its warm-blooded nature, considering its inactive swimming behavior.

How Does Being Warm-Blooded Affected the Meg?

Researchers thoroughly examined related literature and uncovered a previously overlooked aspect of the megalodon's physiology related to digestion and nutrient processing, Earth.com reported.

This finding provided a new perspective on how the massive shark utilized its endothermic metabolism. It suggested that the megalodon's large size was advantageous for effectively processing and absorbing nutrients from the large pieces of food it consumed.

This insight led to a shift in the perception of the megalodon's behavior and capabilities. Rather than being a fast and ferocious predator, it is now believed that the megalodon was more of a slow and steady swimmer. Its warm-bloodedness served the purpose of enhancing its digestive processes rather than facilitating rapid movement.

The study's findings not only shed light on the megalodon's lifestyle but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that shaped these magnificent creatures of the past. Further exploration of these aspects could provide valuable insights into the biology and ecology of ancient marine organisms.