The dinosaur Carcharodontosaurus is a genus of colossal carnivorous theropods that once dominated the ecosystems of North Africa. This apex predator lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 100 to 94 million years ago. The genus name itself establishes the dinosaur’s reputation for immense size and fearsome dentition, translating from Greek as “shark-toothed lizard.” Found across modern-day Morocco, Algeria, and Niger, this dinosaur stood among the largest terrestrial carnivores in Earth’s history.
Defining the Maximum Size
The largest species of this genus, Carcharodontosaurus saharicus, ranks among the most massive predatory dinosaurs discovered. Paleontologists estimate the average adult length of C. saharicus to have been approximately 12 to 12.5 meters (39 to 41 feet) long. Estimates for the largest individuals push the maximum length toward 13.7 meters (about 45 feet), placing the dinosaur in a rare category of hyper-giant theropods.
Body mass estimates for the largest C. saharicus individuals typically fall within the range of 5 to 7 metric tons. A conservative figure of 6 to 8 tons is widely accepted. The skull of the largest specimens was estimated to have measured between 1.42 and 1.6 meters (5 to 5.2 feet) long.
The second recognized species, Carcharodontosaurus iguidensis, was found in Niger and appears to have been slightly smaller than its Moroccan relative. Estimates for C. iguidensis suggest a length of around 10 meters and a weight of about 4 metric tons.
Interpreting the Fossil Evidence
Size estimates for Carcharodontosaurus are often presented as a range because the fossil record for this genus is notably incomplete and fragmented. The original fossils discovered in Egypt in the early 20th century were destroyed during World War II, leaving scientists with only descriptions and drawings. Modern understanding is primarily based on a new, incomplete skull and vertebral fragments recovered in Morocco in the mid-1990s, which served as a replacement type specimen.
Paleontologists use a technique called allometric scaling to arrive at these massive figures. Researchers compare the preserved fragments to the more complete skeletons of close relatives like Giganotosaurus to model the overall body size.
The skull, despite its great length, was relatively lightly built compared to that of other giant carnivores. It featured large openings, or fenestrae, which reduced the overall weight of the head. The serrated, blade-like teeth, which can measure up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) long, point to a hunting style focused on slicing flesh rather than crushing bone.
Comparing Carcharodontosaurus to Other Giant Predators
Carcharodontosaurus is frequently compared to the two other largest-known predatory dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex and Spinosaurus. When comparing pure length, Carcharodontosaurus was comparable to, or slightly longer than, the largest known specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex.
Tyrannosaurus rex was characterized by a far more robust frame and a deeper, heavier skull, leading to a greater overall bulk and a stronger bite force. Carcharodontosaurus, by contrast, possessed a more slender, elongated body and a narrower skull, suggesting it was more lightly muscled for its length.
The comparison with Spinosaurus shows that this African contemporary was likely the longest of all known theropods, with estimates reaching 15 meters or more. While Spinosaurus exceeded Carcharodontosaurus in length, it had shorter hind legs and a less massive build for its overall size. Carcharodontosaurus was a dedicated terrestrial hunter, and its size made it a dominant force in its North African environment.