The extinct giant crocodyliform Sarcosuchus imperator, nicknamed “SuperCroc,” was a colossal predator that dominated the waterways of the Early Cretaceous period. This massive reptile lived approximately 112 million years ago across what is now the Sahara region of Africa, primarily found in Niger. Reaching lengths of up to 12 meters and weighing as much as eight metric tons, Sarcosuchus was one of the largest crocodile relatives that ever existed, dwarfing modern species. Its sheer size made it an apex predator in its environment.
Primary Aquatic Diet
The primary diet of adult Sarcosuchus was composed of the large and diverse aquatic life inhabiting the wide, deep river systems of its African habitat. The river ecosystem was rich with massive fish, including ancient coelacanths and lungfish, which were substantial prey items. These large freshwater fish likely formed the consistent base of the SuperCroc’s diet. Juvenile Sarcosuchus possessed a much narrower snout, suggesting they began life as specialized fish-eaters (piscivory). As the animal matured, its snout broadened, allowing it to prey on other river-dwelling vertebrates, such as turtles. The robust skull of the adult Sarcosuchus was well-suited for crushing the hard shells of turtles.
Opportunistic Terrestrial Prey
While aquatic prey was its staple, the sheer bulk of the adult Sarcosuchus allowed it to pursue a more generalized diet, much like the modern Nile crocodile. This generalized feeding included ambushing terrestrial animals, specifically the abundant dinosaurs that ventured to the water’s edge to drink. This hunting behavior was highly opportunistic, targeting small-to-medium sized dinosaurs, such as juvenile sauropods or ornithopods, that were vulnerable near the riverbanks. The SuperCroc’s strategy involved explosive lunges from the water, grabbing the unsuspecting victim, and dragging it into the deeper water to incapacitate it. Its massive size also allowed it to scavenge the carcasses of other large land-dwelling creatures, securing a generalized diet of large vertebrates.
Jaw Structure and Feeding Mechanics
The feeding capability of Sarcosuchus was defined by its unique skull and dental structure, which differed from many other crocodyliforms. Its snout, or rostrum, was exceptionally long, making up approximately 75% of the total skull length. The jaws were lined with 132 thick, conical teeth that were stout and smooth, designed primarily for grasping and holding prey rather than slicing. These robust teeth did not interlock when the jaws closed, a feature consistent with a generalized predator of large vertebrates. The front end of the snout featured a bulbous expansion known as a bulla, which contributed to the overall strength of the jaws and allowed for a powerful bite force, potentially reaching 80 kilonewtons. However, the skull structure was not conducive to performing the “death roll” maneuver used by modern crocodilians, so Sarcosuchus relied on the strength of its neck and jaws to subdue and tear apart its meals.