S439 - Nicely Preserved Sarcosuchus imperator Crocodile Tooth - Lower Cretaceous Elrhaz Fm
Sarcosuchus imperator, the giant crocodile relative nicknamed "SuperCroc," lived in the Early Cretaceous period and its fossils are famously found in the Elrhaz Formation in the Ténéré Desert, Niger, Africa, making it a key species from this rich fossil site known for large dinosaurs and crocodylomorphs like Suchomimus and Ouranosaurus.
Fossils from the Elrhaz Formation, including large teeth and skull fragments, are the source of scientific understanding of Sarcosuchus, a massive crocodylomorph estimated to reach over 30 feet long.
Key facts about Sarcosuchus from the Elrhaz Formation:
Location: Elrhaz Formation, Gadoufaoua, Ténéré Desert, Niger, Africa.
Age: Lower Cretaceous, roughly 125 to 112 million years ago (Aptian/Albian stages).
Significance: This formation yielded major discoveries, including significant portions of Sarcosuchus imperator, allowing scientists to study its immense size and anatomy.
Associated Fossils: The Elrhaz Formation is also famous for dinosaurs like Suchomimus and Ouranosaurus, indicating a diverse ecosystem.
Fossil Types: Finds include teeth, vertebrae, limb bones, armor plates, and even a nearly complete skull.
SuperCroc's characteristics:
Name Meaning: "Flesh Crocodile Emperor".
Size: Estimated to reach lengths of 29-31 feet (9-9.5 meters) and weights of 3.5-4.5 tons, dwarfing modern crocodiles.
Diet: A powerful predator, capable of preying on African dinosaurs.
Observations: Top quality enamel preservation with astonishing greenish hues. Nice display dome included.