Dunkleosteus

The Dunkleosteus is a one of the largest prehistoric fish ever discovered! This saltwater fish was said to live in the Late Devonian period, which was approximately 370 million years ago. This fish was truly massive in size with armor plating on its body. They could grow to about 33' (10m) and could weigh almost 4 tons! Fossils of this fish have been collected in a few different places across the globe including Belgium, Morocco, Poland and North America.
Dunkleosteus didn't have any true teeth, instead it has two pairs of sharp gnathal plates which it used to form a beak. This fish's bite is said to be one of the most powerful ever recorded, second best only to Megalodon. Dunkleosteus was believed to be able to make up to 8,000lbs per square inch of pressure, this puts it into the class with the T Rex! This fish's unique jaw could also open super fast, in just one-fiftieth of a second. This speed would make any would be prey that was close by get sucked right into its mouth. They were also though to be cannibalistic when given the chance.

The Dunkleosteus has recently been featured in Sea Monster on the BBC, here is a little clip from the show...


If you have any more information about Dunkleosteus that you would like to share people leave us a comment below...

Megalodon (Carcharodon megalodon) The Largest Carnivorous Fish

The Megalodon or Carcharodon megalodon was a prehistoric shark that could grow to over 50' in length! Some people still think that these massive sharks are still roaming our oceans somewhere, but the facts of the matter suggest that they actually became extinct around 1.5 million years ago. Its massive size makes it the largest known carnivorous fish in the world!

Also known as the Mega Tooth Shark or Giant White Shark, the Megalodon was though to feed on large marine animals of its time. Scientist even think that they fed on giant whales, dolphins and anything else they can sink their teeth into. Megalodon were ambush predator that would normally wound its prey with a devastating first strike and then circle it until it weakens enough to devour. As you can imagine from its amazing size, it had a ferocious appetite.
Like all other sharks the skeleton of the Megalodon is made of cartilage instead of bone which makes it even harder to find the remains of this ancient creature. This shark's unbelievably large serrated teeth measure more than 18cm! They are similar to those of the Great White Shark, but absolutely dwarf them in size.

To learn more about the Megalodon watch this re-enactment video below...