The Triassic Predator
Postosuchus was a large carnivorous reptile that lived during the Late Triassic period, approximately 230 million years ago.
| Meaning | Post crocodile [Posto-suchus] |
| Pronunciation | PO-stoh-SOO-kus |
| When: | Late Triassic (about 228–201 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (USA) |
| What: | Archosaur (carnivorous) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 250–300 kg (550–660 pounds) |
| Length: | Approximately 4–5 meters (13–16 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (ate other reptiles and early dinosaurs) |
| Discovered: | First described by Chatterjee in 1985 |
Found in what is now North America, Postosuchus was not a dinosaur but belonged to a group of reptiles known as rauisuchians, which were distant relatives of modern crocodiles.
Postosuchus was formidable, reaching lengths of about 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) and weighing up to 250 kilograms (550 pounds).
It had a robust body, powerful jaws lined with sharp teeth, and walked on four sturdy legs.
Its strong limbs and sharp claws indicate it was a capable predator, likely hunting small to medium-sized prey such as early mammals, reptiles, and smaller dinosaurs.