A viral wave of videos and social media posts claims that a megalodon, a giant prehistoric shark extinct for millions of years, was recently found stranded on a remote Australian island. Despite the widespread attention, this story has no factual basis.
Social Media Posts
Multiple social media users have shared a video and an image showing what appears to be a massive shark on a beach, with captions claiming: “MEGALODON FOUND STRANDED ON REMOTE AUSTRALIAN ISLAND.” This false claim has spread rapidly across several platforms.
Fact Check
Megalodon Is Extinct for Millions of Years
The megalodon (Otodus megalodon) died out between 3.6 and 2.6 million years ago, as confirmed by fossil evidence and scientific studies published in academic journals. Scientists have found no credible evidence in modern times suggesting this massive prehistoric shark has somehow survived or returned. (Source)
Importantly, no marine biologists, scientific institutions, or Australian authorities have reported finding a megalodon. With today’s extensive ocean monitoring systems, research vessels, and widespread use of cameras, any unusual marine discovery would likely be well-documented. A creature as large as a megalodon would be hard to miss, it would leave evidence through sightings, interactions with other marine life, or physical traces. Yet, scientists have found no valid proof of its existence in modern times.
Viral Videos Are AI-Generated or Manipulated
Our investigation reveals that the circulating video is likely AI-generated or digitally manipulated. We traced the content to Instagram account “@wonderful_midjourney,” which originally posted this video.
This creator specializes in surreal, artificial content created with AI tools and explicitly states in their bio that all content is AI-generated.
We have reached out to the creator for further clarification and will update this report when we receive a response.
Conclusion
The claim that a megalodon was discovered on an Australian island is false. The viral content is AI-generated, not authentic footage of a real discovery. Scientific evidence confirms megalodons became extinct millions of years ago and no reputable sources have reported this supposed finding.
Title:Viral Video of Megalodon on an Australian Island is AI-generated
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult: False
