The biggest known member of the crocodilian family, sarcosuchus terrorized fish in rivers and even ambushed dinosaurs that strayed too close to shore. This nearly 9-ton behemoth had massive jaws to tear into victims and armored scales that helped protect it when dinos fought back. Sarcosuchus' sturdy jaws also were thin, with a round, hollow chamber on its snout, suggesting it is a relative of a modern crocodilian, the gharial.
Swimming Tank: Like modern alligators and crocodiles, this creature had 70 armor-like scales along the middle of its back. Unlike its living relatives, the croc's plates were made of bone and prevented the sharp teeth of dinosaurs from breaking through.
Big Boy: Sarcosuchus grew to gigantic proportions. This beast's jaws alone were up to six feet long, and were filled with more than 130 sharp teeth. Overall, this giant croc's body grew to lengths of up to 40 feet.
Surf and Turf[]
Sarcosuchus' jaws were similar in design to a modern croc's, though much bigger.
Most modern crocodiles have long, broad snouts, but sarcosuchus' jaws were thin in the middle, like those of a gharial. Scientists believe that sarcosuchus spent most of its time underwater, snapping its jaws as it moved them side to side, spearing fish on its numerous teeth. This ancient croc's teeth were also angled inward, leading experts to believe that it bit into big prey and held on. Likely victims were dinosaurs taking a drink at the riverbank. Sarcosuchus grabbed their necks and dragged them underwater to drown.
Sahara Rivers: All of sarcosuchus' fossils have been found buried in the sands of Africa's Sahara Desert. When the croc lived 110 million years ago, the area was filled with rivers, providing the perfect habitat for this monster.
Noisy Nose: Because of a large, hollow chamber where its nostrils were, scientists believe sarcosuchus had an excellent sense of smell. The beast may have also used this chamber to amplify grunts when communicating with others of its species.
Timeline[]
Sarcosuchus lived about 110 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The trading card has the Gold Attack Power trait.
- The sarcosuchus is named as a potential "rival" with the Suchomimus on the latter's knowledge card.
- The sarcosuchus is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first featured in Record Setters on Monster Mania 61.
- It is then featured in Fossil Finders on Monster Mania 67.
- The skull used in the game is the same one on the back of the knowledge card.
- Sarcosuchus happens to have a cousin in South America, Brazil. Sarcosuchus Hartti, though it's a little smaller than it's African counterpart.