The colossal sea creature is thought to have hunted other whales and sea mammals. Leviathan lived around 12 to 13 million years ago and rivalled the famous giant shark megalodon in size

Livyatan melvillei is an extinct species of physeteroid whale, which lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 12-13 million years ago

One of the largest and most powerful marine predators was a prehistoric killer sperm whale so big in size it rivalled the famous giant shark megalodon.

Named after the Biblical sea monster and the author of classic novel Moby Dick, Leviathan (or livyatan melvillei) used to dominate the food chain, hunting other whales and sea mammals.

The colossal creature is said to have been around 47–57 feet long and had teeth measuring up to one foot in length and four inches in width.

Leviathan would usually tear chunks off its unfortunate prey with a powerful bite with its primary diet thought to have consisted of baleen whales.

Scientists estimate Leviathan, which was about the same as a modern adult male sperm whale, lived around 12 to 13 million years ago, the Daily Star reports.

The sea creature had teeth measuring up to one foot in length and four inches in width
Due to its size and ferocity, the whale was a strong rival for the megalodon, which typically sized up at 18 metres long and pursued similar prey.

Back in 2008 researchers in Peru found the mysterious bones from livyatan melvillei and scientists even have evidence that suggests the two beasts faced off in scary sea battles, with a skeleton of the whale being found with “meg” bite marks in North Carolina, USA.

Shortly after its discovery, Dr Oliver Lambert of the Natural History Museum in France commented: “This sperm whale could firmly hold large prey with its interlocking teeth, inflict deep wounds and tear large pieces from the body of the victim.

Megalodon (pictured) and Leviathan were apex predators of the same region
“With their large size and robust jaws, Leviathan adults were surely free from predation.

“It was a kind of sea monster. It’s interesting to note that at the same time in the same waters was another monster, which was a giant shark [Megalodon] about 15 metres long.”

Leviathan vs. Megalodon: Who Do You Think Would Win?

Lambert believed that the leviathan (livyatan) had close encounters with megalodon when both existed. He considered the two creates a “sea monster.”

It’s “possible they may have fought each other,” the expert said as both pursue the same prey.

While Lambert was not sure, researchers from Peru discovered some evidence that supported his theory. They found bone remains from leviathan in 2008. Scientists noted that it had evidence of a bloodshed battle between megalodon because the skeleton of the killer sperm whale was found with “meg” bite marks, Mirror reported.

But who is likely to win in the fierce battle between the two sea monsters?

According to A to Z Animals, livyatan would defeat a megalodon in a battle. The livyatan has the edge in terms of size and speed, as well as more prominent teeth and the endurance to endure through a protracted fight. Livyatan could firmly hold their large prey using their interlocking teeth and inflict deep wounds before tearing their body into pieces.

One issue with the megalodons is the manner in which they attack. They prefer to delve into their prey’s intestines. They’ll acquire blood and blubber on their first few bites in this situation, and that won’t help them kill a giant whale.

Even if it was able to sneak up on the livyatan and land the opening strike, it would be of little use to them. The combat would become a bite-for-bite competition, with the livyatan being able to take more damage than a megalodon.