People have been terrified of the deep blue ocean ever since our ancestors realized that there are things that live in the water that could slice them in half with a giant mouth full of razor-sharp teeth. Sure, today we also have great white sharks, which could easily take you down in a matter of seconds, and probably some other unknown terrors from the deepest parts that we as a species are not ready to meet yet. But trust me, we're living in easy mode, because ancient prehistoric sea monsters would inhale the Great White Shark through one nostril. Mother nature is super scary!
1. Shastasaurus
Shastasaurus is currently the largest marine reptile species ever found, clocking in at 65 feet (20m) or even more. But at that size Shastasaurus wasn't the apex predator, as it mainly ate fish. It also looks a lot like today's dolphins for some reason.
2. Dakosaurus
Is it a fish? Is it a reptile?... Why not both? Dakosaurus, first discovered in Germany, was one of the deadliest predators in the sea during the Jurassic period. It somewhat resembles our crocodiles, and could reach up to 16 feet (5 m) in length.
3. Thalassomedon
Thalassomedon means "lord of the sea" in Greek, and it's for a damn good reason. Reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters), his four fins were almost 7 feet (2 m) each, allowing him to do insane underwater pivots, twists, and turns with deadly efficiency. He has been scaring off his prey for millions of years during the second part of the Cretaceous period, when larger predators like Momasaurs finally took his place.
4. Tyloosaurus
Odin have mercy on the souls of the poor bastards who had fallen prey to the huge jaws of the Tylosaur. It's another species of Mosasaur, and it was huge! Reaching over 50 feet (15 m) in length, Tylosaur was 100% carnivorous with a very diverse diet. Scientists have discovered fossilized remains of fish, sharks, smaller masosaurs, plesiosaurs, and even some flightless birds in their gut.
5. Liopleurodon
This one is very popular, and you've probably already heard of it – it's Liopleurodon. This huge animal, reaching 20 feet (6 m) in length, lived during the Jurassic period in the seas that covered Europe, and was the top predator at the time. When you consider that its jaws were over 10 feet long, it's easy to see why this beast dominated the food chain.
6. Mosasaurus
If you thought Liopleurodon was huge, you'll stain your panties when you hear how gigantic Mosasaurus was. Some fossils suggest that it could have reached as much as 50 feet (15 m) in length, making it one of the largest marine predators of the Cretaceous period. Not even the least bit furry and cuddly, that's for sure.
7. Megalodon
And finally, we have the mega shark – Megalodon. It is one of the largest predators in marine history, as well as one of the largest sharks ever recorded. Imagine a great white shark, multiplied by 3, as Megolodons could grow to an incredible 65ft long (20m)! It's really hard to imagine how powerful and deadly this killing machine was, but try to imagine a school bus with each of its teeth the size of your head. Lots of teeth. *shaking chills*
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