The 2010 film "Mega
Piranha" brought to life the piranha's prehistoric ancestor,
which was several times bigger, and aptly named Megapiranha.
The only remains of this ancient fish were first found in Argentina
in the 1900’s, from which scientists deduced they existed during
the Miocene period (5 to 23 million years ago), and had a biting
force 30 times its own weight.
They weren't bigger
than the average human, but ecosystems would be in peril had they
existed today. While unconfirmed, it's believed that this prehistoric
predator was a carnivore, given its teeth. Experts say the
Megapiranha had enough biting force to crush shells of turtles and
the tough armor of a certain species of catfish.
Add genetic experiments
to the mix and you have cult favorite in the making. "Mega
Piranha" featured these carnivores at insane sizes and with
enough endurance to withstand everything from small-arms fire to a
nuclear torpedo. To avoid spoilers, suffice it to say conquering
these gargantuan fish will take more than anything man’s arsenal
could produce.
The normal piranha
today may hurt you, but it could be worse. Their sinister nature has
become the stuff of legend, immortalized in such all-time favorite
flicks like Piranha 3D.
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