Name:
Steneosaurus (Greek for "narrow lizard"); pronounced STEN-ee-oh-SORE-us
Habitat:
Shores of western Europe and northern Africa
Historical Period:
Early Jurassic-Early Cretaceous (180-140 million years ago)
Size and Weight:
Up to 12 feet long and 200-300 pounds
Diet:
Fish
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Long, narrow snout; armor plating
About Steneosaurus:
Although it's not quite as popular as other prehistoric crocodiles, Steneosaurus is well-represented in the fossil record, with over a dozen named species ranging from western Europe to northern Africa. This ocean-going crocodile was characterized by its long, narrow, tooth-studded snout, relatively stubby arms and legs, and the tough armor plating along its back--which must have been an effective form of defense, since the various species of Steneosaurus span a full 40 million years, from the early Jurassic to the early Cretaceous periods.
