The Giant Crocodile of the Dinosaur Age
Meet Sarcosuchus, the enormous “super croc” that lived around 112 million years ago during the Cretaceous period!
| Meaning | Flesh crocodile [Sarco-suchus] |
| Pronunciation | SAR-ko-SOO-kus |
| When: | Early Cretaceous (133–112 million years ago) |
| Where: | Africa (Niger, Algeria) |
| What: | Crocodyliform (related to crocodilians) |
| Weight: | 3.5–8 metric tons |
| Length: | 9–12 meters (30–40 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (large fish, smaller dinosaurs) |
| Discovered: | 1940s (Albert-Félix de Lapparent), 2000 (Paul Sereno) |
Imagine a crocodile as long as a bus, with a powerful tail, sharp teeth, and a snout that could snap shut with incredible force.
Sarcosuchus, which means “flesh crocodile,” could grow up to 40 feet long and weighed about 8 tons—much bigger than modern crocodiles!
It lived in ancient rivers and swamps, where it ambushed unsuspecting dinosaurs and fish for its meals.
Picture this mighty predator lurking in the water, ready to pounce with lightning speed.
Sarcosuchus was one of the most fearsome creatures of its time, showcasing just how wild and wonderful life was in the age of the dinosaurs!