Cricosaurus

digital model, mounted 3D print

see the much larger Dakosaurus

Cricosaurus belongs to the family Metriorhynchidae, marine crocodiles of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Strictly speaking, they are stem crocodiles, even though their resemblance to modern relatives is no coincidence. Nevertheless, Cricosaurus belongs to a group that developed adaptations to aquatic life independently of the actual (crown-group) crocodiles – and to the greatest extent of any archosaur.

Consistent with this way of life, Cricosaurus had flippers, even an almost dolphin-like tail fin, and scaleless skin. The long snout allowed for successful hunting of fast-moving aquatic creatures. Salt glands near the eye helped eliminate excess ions. Since metriorhynchids were likely not deep divers, their large, internally bone-supported eyes suggest high speeds at which vision remained sharp. At about 1.5 meters in length (the model is scaled down for exhibition purposes), a Cricosaurus was already a formidable predator – and, in its time, a challenge to most sharks.